RedCap UE Assistance Data for Low-Power Position Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately positioning reduced capability (RedCap) user equipment (UE) due to limited channel bandwidth support and power consumption constraints, which affect the suitability of conventional positioning methods.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of assistance data based on UE-specific information, including frequency range support and battery level, allows a position estimation entity to tailor positioning methods for RedCap UEs, reducing power consumption and processing load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional positioning methods are used for RedCap UEs, then positioning coverage is maintained, but power consumption increases and positioning accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring positioning methods and parameters specifically for RedCap UEs based on their UE-specific information (frequency range support, battery level, cell identifier). Instead of using uniform positioning approaches for all UEs, the system adapts positioning configurations locally to match RedCap capabilities, thereby improving positioning accuracy while optimizing power consumption for this specific device category.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting positioning parameters based on RedCap UE characteristics. The position estimation entity receives UE-specific information and modifies positioning parameters (such as frequency range, reference signal configurations, and measurement opportunities) to suit RedCap capabilities, achieving better positioning accuracy with reduced power consumption compared to conventional fixed parameter approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If RedCap UE-specific information is transmitted to position estimation entity, then positioning efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a positioning framework that handles both conventional UEs and RedCap UEs through a common position estimation entity. The system maintains backward compatibility while adding RedCap-specific optimizations, allowing the same infrastructure to serve multiple device types efficiently. This multi-functional approach improves positioning efficiency for RedCap UEs without requiring entirely separate positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having RedCap UEs proactively transmit their UE-specific information (frequency range support, battery level, cell identifier) to the position estimation entity before positioning sessions begin. This advance information sharing enables the network to pre-configure optimal positioning parameters for RedCap devices, improving positioning efficiency while avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustments during active positioning sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If positioning resources are optimized for RedCap UEs, then latency reduces, but positioning precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning latencyVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible, adaptive positioning configurations for RedCap UEs that can be adjusted in real-time based on UE-specific information and network conditions. The position estimation entity dynamically selects positioning methods and parameters (such as frequency range, reference signal types, and measurement opportunities) to achieve optimal balance between latency reduction and precision maintenance, allowing the system to adapt to varying RedCap device capabilities and operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250365691A1Assistance data based on user equipment-specific information associated with a reduced capability user equipment

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to assistance data that is based on user equipment (UE)-specific information associated with a reduced capability (RedCap) UE. In an aspect, the UE-specific information may be communicated to a position estimation entity that would not otherwise have knowledge of the UE-specific information. The position estimation entity may utilize the UE-specific information to determine assistance data for a position estimation session of the UE (e.g., fewer positioning resources, more limited positioning tasks, less assistance data, angle-based position estimation instead of time-based position estimation, etc.). Such aspects may provide various technical advantages, such as tailoring parameters for a position estimation session to particular RedCap UEs (e.g., to reduce power consumption and/or processing load and/or latency, etc.).