RedCap UE Positioning Under Power-Saving Measurement Relaxation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reduced capability devices in 5G networks face a conflict between power saving features and accurate positioning performance, as RRM measurement relaxations impact positioning accuracy and latency, and existing systems lack mechanisms to optimize these features based on positioning requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method for RedCap UEs to determine optimal power saving and reduced capability features by estimating their impact on positioning performance, considering accuracy and latency requirements, and signaling these features to the network for configuration adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If RRM measurement relaxations are applied to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but positioning accuracy and latency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of RRM measurement relaxation based on positioning requirements. The system evaluates positioning accuracy requirements and channel conditions in real-time, then dynamically configures the level of measurement relaxation. When positioning accuracy is critical, the system reduces or disables relaxation; when power saving is prioritized, the system applies relaxation. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting the measurement strategy to current operational needs rather than using a fixed configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters including measurement frequency, measurement bandwidth, and relaxation level based on positioning requirements and channel conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can optimize the trade-off between power consumption and positioning accuracy. For example, the measurement frequency can be reduced when power saving is needed and channel conditions are good, while increasing it when positioning accuracy requirements are high.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If RRM measurement relaxations are applied to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but positioning latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpositioning latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts measurement timing and frequency based on positioning latency requirements. When low latency is needed, the system reduces measurement relaxation or increases measurement frequency; when power saving is prioritized and latency constraints are relaxed, the system applies stronger relaxation. This time-adaptive approach resolves the contradiction between power consumption and latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of positioning requirements and channel conditions before configuring measurement relaxation. By assessing the situation in advance, the system can pre-configure appropriate measurement strategies that balance power consumption and latency, avoiding reactive adjustments that would increase latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If reduced capability features are implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpositioning performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration of reduced capability features based on positioning requirements and channel conditions. The system evaluates whether reduced capability features can be used without compromising positioning performance below acceptable thresholds. When positioning performance requirements are high, the system disables reduced capability features; when requirements are lower, the system enables them to reduce device complexity. This resolves the contradiction by making capability configuration adaptive rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts parameters such as measurement bandwidth, frequency hopping patterns, and reference signal configurations based on positioning requirements. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system can maintain positioning performance while using reduced capability features when appropriate, thus reducing device complexity without permanently sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Use of energy by moving object

If power saving features are optimized dynamically, then power consumption is reduced, but positioning performance requirements may not be met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpositioning performance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors positioning performance, channel conditions, and power consumption levels. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts power saving feature configuration in real-time. If positioning performance requirements are not met, the feedback loop triggers adjustments to reduce measurement relaxation or increase measurement frequency, ensuring requirements are satisfied while optimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts power saving feature configuration based on real-time evaluation of positioning performance requirements and channel conditions. Rather than using static power saving modes, the system continuously adjusts measurement strategies, relaxation levels, and feature configurations to meet positioning requirements while minimizing power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making power optimization contingent on performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12538232B2Methods and apparatuses for mitigating reduced complexity features impact on positioning performance

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for positioning support are provided. One method may include receiving, by a UE configured with power saving feature(s), positioning performance requirements for a positioning session. The method may also include estimating an impact of one or more power saving or reduced capability features on positioning measurements associated with the positioning session and, based on the accuracy and latency requirements and the estimated impact, determining the power saving or reduced capability features that the UE can implement while still achieving the accuracy and latency requirements for the positioning session. The method may then include signaling, to a network node, information on the determined power saving or reduced capability features that the UE can implement while still achieving the required accuracy and latency requirements for the positioning session.