Rel-17 NR Positioning Accuracy With NLOS and Timing Error Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NR positioning technologies face challenges in achieving sub-meter level accuracy and low latency requirements for industrial internet-of-things (IIoT) use cases, particularly due to Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) errors and timing errors in wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
Implement methods for NLOS determination, association of UL SRS resources with Tx Timing Error Groups (TEGs), and reduced measurement samples to improve positioning accuracy and latency, including two-stage beam sweeping and Configured Grants for measurement reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional NR positioning methods are used, then basic positioning requirements are met, but sub-meter level accuracy and low latency for IIoT use cases cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning measurement process into multiple stages: performing measurements on multiple detected paths, determining LOS/NLOS status for each path separately, and combining results through hard or soft decisions. This segmentation allows the system to identify and prioritize LOS paths while mitigating NLOS errors, achieving sub-meter accuracy without excessive latency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by performing LOS/NLOS determination before final positioning calculation. The UE determines the LOS/NLOS status of detected paths and uses this information to weight or select measurements in advance, preventing NLOS errors from degrading positioning accuracy and reducing the need for repeated measurements
2Reliability
If measurements are performed under NLOS conditions, then positioning can be maintained, but accuracy deteriorates due to NLOS errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful NLOS condition into a beneficial situation by explicitly detecting and identifying NLOS paths. The UE determines LOS/NLOS status for each detected path and uses this information to either exclude NLOS paths from positioning calculations or apply appropriate weighting. This transforms the previously harmful NLOS condition into useful information that improves positioning reliability and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces LOS/NLOS determination as an intermediary step between signal detection and positioning calculation. This intermediary process evaluates the quality of detected paths and provides weighted measurements or path selections to the positioning algorithm, enabling the system to maintain positioning availability under NLOS conditions while preserving accuracy through intelligent path selection
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement samples are collected to improve accuracy, then positioning precision increases, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by collecting measurements on multiple detected paths but not necessarily processing all of them equally. The UE performs measurements on multiple paths and then selects or weights them based on LOS/NLOS determination, achieving accurate positioning with fewer effective measurements than would be required without path selection, thus reducing latency
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods are disclosed for reducing Rx/Tx timing errors in a wireless network for latency of positioning measurements. Additionally, a system and methods are disclosed for increasing positioning accuracy by mitigating NLOS errors and/or by performing two-stage beam sweeping for DL-AoD. Further, a system and methods are disclosed for performing M-sample positioning measurements to improve latency reporting in connection with positioning reporting.