RIS-PRS Association for Accurate 5G Positioning and Object Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) for enhanced positioning and object sensing, particularly in 5G networks, due to limitations in configuring and triggering positioning reference signals effectively.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a configuration framework and positioning reference signal (PRS) association mechanisms for RIS-aided positioning and object sensing, which involves controlling RIS elements via wireless downlink signaling to optimize signal reflection and enhance positioning accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If RIS elements are utilized for positioning and object sensing, then positioning accuracy and sensing capabilities are improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a location management function (LMF) as an intermediary entity that centralizes the configuration and management of RIS-assisted positioning. The LMF generates RIS configuration information and positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration information, then transmits these configurations to the wireless device and network nodes respectively. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system complexity by providing a single point of control rather than requiring each component to be configured independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary configuration actions by pre-defining RIS configuration information including RIS group IDs, RIS element IDs, and associated positioning reference signal configurations before actual positioning operations. The LMF prepares these configurations in advance and transmits them to relevant entities, ensuring that when positioning is needed, the infrastructure is already configured and ready, reducing on-demand complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple positioning reference signals are transmitted through RIS, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and network complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple configuration parameters into unified configuration messages. The LMF generates comprehensive RIS configuration information that includes RIS group ID, RIS element ID, and positioning reference signal configuration in a single integrated structure. This merging reduces the number of separate signaling transactions required and consolidates information that would otherwise be transmitted through multiple separate messages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The RIS configuration information structure is designed to be universal and multi-functional, supporting both RIS-assisted positioning and RIS-assisted object sensing through the same configuration framework. The same LMF-generated configuration messages can be used for different positioning reference signal types and different sensing applications, reducing the need for separate specialized signaling paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach improves positioning accuracy and object sensing capabilities by effectively utilizing RIS elements, addressing the limitations of existing systems and enhancing the performance of 5G wireless networks.

Implementation Method 1

performing a measurement on at least one reference signal reflected by the indicated at least one mirror

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4320738B1Configuration framework and positioning reference signal (PRS) association mechanisms and triggering for reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-aided positioning and object sensing
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4320738B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4320738B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4320738B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed are techniques for wireless positioning. In an aspect, a user equipment (UE) engages in a positioning session or a sensing session and receives, from a network entity, assistance data for at least one positioning reference signal (PRS) resource transmitted by a transmission point, the assistance data including a PRS resource location field indicating a geographic location of the transmission point, the assistance data further including reflection point object (RPO) information for at least one RPO that is capable of reflecting a waveform associated with the at least one PRS resource, the RPO information including at least location information for the at least one RPO.