RIS PRS Association for Accurate Wireless Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in accurately positioning user equipment (UE) due to the complexity introduced by reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), which can reflect positioning reference signals (PRS) in multiple directions, making it difficult for UE to determine precise location information without additional assistance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves enhancing positioning assistance data signaling by including reflection point object (RPO) information, which provides geographic locations of RIS and other reflectors, allowing the network to associate PRS resources with multiple antenna point locations, including controllable and non-controllable reflection points, to help UE accurately calculate its position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If RIS reflects PRS in multiple directions to enhance coverage, then coverage area is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to difficulty in determining precise location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning measurement process by separating direct PRS paths from reflected PRS paths. The network entity identifies and categorizes different propagation paths (direct, reflected, diffracted) and processes them differently, allowing the UE to accurately measure positioning references while accounting for RIS-induced reflections through path segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network entity acts as a mediator between the transmission point and the UE. The network entity receives measurement reports from the UE, identifies RIS-related reflected paths, determines appropriate QCL assumptions, and provides assistance information to the UE, thereby resolving the positioning ambiguity caused by multiple reflections
2Measurement precision
If the network associates PRS resources with multiple antenna point locations including reflection points, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network entity pre-determine and pre-configure QCL assumptions and assistance information related to RIS reflection points before the actual positioning measurement. The network entity proactively identifies potential reflected paths and prepares the necessary configuration data, reducing the need for complex real-time signaling during positioning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting QCL (Quasi-Co-Location) assumptions based on the identified PRS paths. The network entity modifies QCL parameter configurations to reflect the actual propagation conditions, including whether a path is direct or reflected, thereby simplifying the signaling by using standardized parameter sets rather than custom configurations for each scenario
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 the accuracy of UE positioning by accounting for RIS reflections, enabling the network to differentiate between direct and reflected PRS paths, thus enhancing location determination in scenarios with RIS-aided wireless communication.
Implementation Method 1
reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), which can reflect positioning reference signals (PRS) in multiple directions
Data Source
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.