Positioning Reference Signal Configuration Over Unlicensed Bands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems lack specified solutions for enabling radio access technology (RAT)-dependent positioning methods using unlicensed carriers, particularly for requesting assistance data in low latency and managing downlink positioning reference signals over licensed and unlicensed bands to maximize positioning accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that configures and transmits positioning reference signals over unlicensed bands using a channel access priority class (CAPC) for different positioning service levels, with a processor managing measurement windows, burst configurations, and listen-before-talk occasions to perform positioning measurements, and coordinates the transmission of downlink positioning reference signals across both licensed and unlicensed bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If positioning reference signals are transmitted over unlicensed bands without specified solutions, then bandwidth aggregation flexibility is improved, but positioning accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to lack of proper channel access management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth aggregation flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces CAPC (Channel Access Priority Class) as a new parameter to control positioning reference signal transmissions over unlicensed bands. By configuring different CAPC values for different positioning purposes and service levels, the system optimizes channel access behavior to improve both reliability and positioning accuracy while maintaining bandwidth aggregation flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic measurement windows and LBT (Listen-Before-Talk) occasion configurations that adapt to channel conditions and positioning requirements. The measurement window size and timing are dynamically adjusted based on available reception opportunities, ensuring reliable positioning measurements while utilizing unlicensed band flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If downlink positioning reference signals are transmitted over unlicensed bands without coordinated management, then spectrum utilization is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to interference and timing issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent configures measurement windows and LBT occasions in advance before actual positioning reference signal transmissions. This preliminary configuration ensures that devices are prepared to receive and measure signals at the correct timing, reducing measurement errors and improving positioning accuracy while maintaining efficient spectrum utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where location servers receive positioning measurement results from devices and adjust future downlink positioning reference signal configurations accordingly. This closed-loop approach optimizes signal timing and resource allocation to improve positioning accuracy while maximizing spectrum utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If positioning measurements are performed without configured LBT occasions and measurement windows, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning performance deteriorates due to missed reception opportunities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpositioning performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the unlicensed band operation into distinct measurement windows and LBT occasions with specific configurations. By dividing the transmission timeline into structured segments with defined purposes, the system improves positioning reliability through systematic channel access while keeping device implementation manageable through standardized configuration parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240373435A1Positioning configuration and assistance data enhancements over unlicensed bands
Publication Date: 2024.11.07 LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
  • US20240373435A1 patent drawing
  • US20240373435A1 patent drawing
  • US20240373435A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for positioning configuration and assistance data enhancements over unlicensed bands. An apparatus (700) includes a transceiver (725) and a processor (705) coupled to the transceiver (725). The processor (705) is configured to cause the apparatus (700) to perform positioning procedures over an unlicensed band based on a configured channel access priority class (“CAPC”) for positioning, the CAPC corresponding to different positioning service levels: receive a predetermined window size of a measurement window for positioning reference signal reception, a burst configuration, and a listen-before-talk (“LBT”) occasion within the window from the location server based on an available reception opportunity to be measured and processed over the unlicensed band; and perform positioning reference signal (“PRS”) measurement based on the measurement window, the burst configuration, and the LBT occasion.