RIS Signal Timing for Low-Latency PRS Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in efficiently utilizing reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) for enhancing positioning reference signal measurements, leading to suboptimal signal quality and increased latency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a UE and network entity configuration that enables the UE to measure and prioritize higher-quality positioning reference signals received directly from a TRP or via a RIS, and adapt transmission parameters based on signal quality thresholds, including different carrier frequencies, bandwidths, and timing characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the UE measures both direct and RIS-reflected positioning reference signals, then measurement quality improves, but processing complexity and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning reference signal measurement qualityVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments positioning reference signals into two distinct types: type-1 PRS for direct transmission and type-2 PRS for RIS-reflected transmission. This segmentation allows the UE to process different signal types separately, managing complexity while maintaining measurement quality through selective measurement based on signal conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic measurement strategies where the UE adapts its measurement behavior based on signal quality thresholds and network configuration. The UE can dynamically select which signal type to measure based on current channel conditions, optimizing the balance between measurement quality and processing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the UE prioritizes higher-quality measurements, then positioning accuracy improves, but measurement latency increases due to sequential processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning measurement qualityVSAvoidmeasurement latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary actions by having the network entity pre-configure measurement parameters, signal types, and quality thresholds before the UE performs measurements. This preparation reduces the time required during actual measurement operations, as the UE already has guidance on what to measure and how to prioritize results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports measurement results and quality metrics to the network entity, which then provides feedback on measurement performance. This feedback loop allows the system to optimize measurement strategies over time, improving accuracy while managing latency through learned patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If the system uses RIS-reflected signals for positioning, then coverage area expands, but signal quality and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the RIS (reconfigurable intelligent surface) as an intermediary element that reflects positioning reference signals to extend coverage to areas with poor direct signal propagation. The RIS acts as a controllable mirror that can be configured to direct signals to specific regions, expanding coverage while maintaining acceptable signal quality through intelligent reflection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting RIS configuration parameters such as phase shifts, amplitude weights, and beamforming patterns to optimize reflected signal quality. The network entity can reconfigure the RIS in real-time to adapt to changing channel conditions, maintaining signal reliability across expanded coverage areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12519507B2Reconfigurable intelligent surface, RIS, aided and non-RIS-aided signal timing

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A method includes: transmitting, from a UE, a first on-demand request for first PRS resources of a first signal type based on reception by the UE of a first DL-RS of the first signal type with at least a first threshold quality and lack of reception of a second DL-RS of a second signal type with at least a second threshold quality, one of the first and second signal types being for non-RIS-reflected signal transfer and the other signal type being for RIS-reflected signal transfer, or transmitting, from the UE, a second on-demand request for second PRS resources for RIS-reflected signal transfer, the second on-demand request specifying a first RIS of a plurality of RISes associated with a common base station; or transmitting, from the UE, a capability message indicating that the UE supports different PRS symbol durations for RIS-reflected PRS and non-RIS-reflected PRS; or any combination thereof.