PRS and Supplemental Signal Combining for Wider-Band Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G networks, face challenges in enhancing spectral efficiency and reducing latency for positioning reference signals (PRS) due to limitations in processing capabilities of user equipment (UE) when combining PRS with supplemental signals across different frequency ranges.
Innovation Solution
User equipment (UE) processes a positioning reference signal (PRS) and a supplemental signal, such as a synchronization signal block, coherently combining them to expand the effective signal bandwidth, and transmits capability messages indicating processing capabilities to network entities, allowing for optimized transmission configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UE processes PRS and supplemental signal in combination across different frequency ranges, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency range into multiple parts, with PRS occupying a first frequency range and supplemental signals occupying a second frequency range. The UE processes these segmented frequency ranges separately through coherent combination, allowing accurate positioning while managing processing complexity through structured signal separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends processing from a single frequency dimension to multiple frequency dimensions by combining PRS and supplemental signals across different frequency ranges. This dimensional expansion enables improved positioning accuracy by utilizing additional frequency information while maintaining manageable complexity through organized multi-dimensional processing.
2Productivity
If UE transmits capability messages and signal-combination indications, then network optimization is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the UE transmit capability messages indicating its processing capabilities before actual positioning operations. This allows the network to pre-configure optimal signal combinations and parameters, reducing real-time processing delays and minimizing signaling overhead during active positioning sessions.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal processing method includes: receiving, at a UE, a PRS and a supplemental signal, the supplemental signal being a broadcast signal and spanning a first frequency range at least partially outside of a second frequency range spanned by the PRS; processing, at the UE, the PRS and the supplemental signal in combination, resulting in an effective signal bandwidth that is larger than the second frequency range, to determine position information; and at least one of: transmitting a capability message, from the UE to a network entity, indicating a processing capability of the UE to process, in combination, the PRS and the supplemental signal; or transmitting a signal-combination indication, from the UE to the network entity, indicating that the UE processed the PRS and the supplemental signal in combination to determine the position information.