RACH Positioning for 5G UE RTT Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in efficiently determining the position of user equipment (UE) using traditional methods like OTDOA and RTT, which can be cumbersome and resource-intensive, especially when multiple base stations are involved.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight positioning RACH procedure is introduced, allowing UE to measure RTT with multiple base stations without the need for association, using a wide bandwidth or multiple narrow bandwidth signals to improve timing measurement resolution and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods (OTDOA, RTT) are used with multiple base stations, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential positioning function from the complex traditional RTT procedure by using a simplified RACH-based approach. Instead of requiring full association and complex signaling exchanges, the system extracts only the necessary timing measurement capability through random access preambles, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The RACH procedure serves multiple functions: it performs both random access initiation and positioning measurements simultaneously. The same physical downlink shared channel resources used for normal communication are also utilized for positioning, eliminating the need for separate dedicated positioning procedures and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If traditional RTT procedure with association is used, then positioning can be performed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing positioning measurements only when necessary through the random access procedure, rather than maintaining continuous association and monitoring. The UE performs timing measurements only during the brief RACH exchange, significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous traditional RTT procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The network performs positioning measurements passively by observing the timing of RACH preambles and responses without requiring active UE participation in complex measurement procedures. The UE simply transmits its random access preamble and the network automatically extracts positioning information from the timing characteristics, reducing UE power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If narrow bandwidth signals are used for positioning, then power consumption is reduced, but timing measurement resolution may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the random access function with the positioning function, allowing the same RACH procedure to serve both purposes. By combining these functions, the system can use the timing information from the random access exchange for positioning without requiring separate dedicated positioning signals, thereby maintaining measurement resolution while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of signal bandwidth dynamically based on positioning requirements. When positioning is needed, the network configures appropriate bandwidth parameters for the RACH preambles and responses, optimizing the balance between power consumption and timing measurement resolution for the specific positioning scenario.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for measuring round trip times (RTTs) between a user equipment (UE) and a plurality of transmission-reception points (TRPs). In an aspect, the UE receives a positioning configuration message from a TRP, measures a time of arrival (TOA) of each of a plurality of positioning signals from the plurality of TRPs, and transmits, to the TRP, a RACH positioning Message A on uplink resources defined in the positioning configuration message, and receives, from the TRP, a RACH positioning Message B subsequent to transmitting the RACH positioning Message A, wherein the RACH positioning Message A includes a first plurality of positioning measurements corresponding to the plurality of TRPs, the RACH positioning Message B includes a second plurality of positioning measurements corresponding to the plurality of TRPs, or any combination thereof.