PRS Signal Configuration for IoT Geolocation Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT devices face reduced geolocation accuracy due to their use of smaller bandwidths compared to LTE-connected mobile devices, which affects their ability to determine position accurately using positioning reference signals (PRS) and OTDOA procedures.
Innovation Solution
A network management device dynamically alters the network configuration to provide different qualities of service for various wireless devices by adjusting PRS signal characteristics, such as repetition and transmit power, and resource allocation based on the type and quality of service of connected devices, allowing for improved geolocation accuracy for both high and low bandwidth devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If machine devices use smaller bandwidths for communication, then device cost is reduced and battery life is extended, but geolocation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different PRS signal characteristics for different device types. Machine devices receive PRS signals with repetition factors and bandwidth configurations optimized for their narrowband capabilities, while other devices receive standard configurations. This allows each device type to receive locally optimized signal quality without compromising overall network performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the PRS signals including repetition factor, bandwidth, and resource allocation based on device type. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system maintains geolocation accuracy for machine devices despite their limited bandwidth, while preserving standard performance for other device types.
2Measurement precision
If PRS signal repetition is increased for machine devices, then geolocation accuracy is improved, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PRS signal configuration into device-type-specific configurations. Machine devices are assigned dedicated PRS resources with increased repetition factors and narrowband filtering, while other devices use standard configurations. This segmentation allows optimized resource allocation that improves machine device geolocation without unnecessarily consuming network resources for other device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing enhanced PRS repetition and resource allocation only to machine devices that require it, rather than uniformly increasing resources for all devices. This targeted approach achieves the necessary measurement precision for machine devices while minimizing overall network resource consumption.
3Measurement precision
If different PRS configurations are provided for different device types, then geolocation accuracy for machine devices is improved, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal PRS configuration framework that handles multiple device types through a single standardized interface. The network device automatically selects appropriate PRS configurations based on device type identification, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate manual configuration systems. This reduces overall network configuration complexity while maintaining device-specific optimization.
4Reliability
If narrowband filtering is applied for machine devices, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but bandwidth utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies narrowband filtering locally only to PRS signals intended for machine devices, while leaving other signals with full bandwidth availability. This localized approach improves signal-to-noise ratio for machine devices without unnecessarily reducing bandwidth utilization for other device types or network functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may determine a set of characteristics of a network. The set of characteristics may relate to a set of wireless devices connected to the network. The device may alter a network configuration associated with a set of positioning reference signals (PRS signals) transmitted via the network based on the set of characteristics of the network. The alteration may relate to a characteristic of the set of PRS signals or a resource allocation for providing the set of PRS signals via the network. The device may transmit the set of PRS signals based on altering the network configuration to enable geolocation to be performed by the set of wireless devices connected to the network.