Sensing Reference Signal Configuration for Sub-THz Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in sub-THz frequency bands, face challenges in supporting sensing techniques to estimate the location of user equipment (UE) due to limited detectable range and increased path loss, with existing positioning technologies not effectively incorporating sensing capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of sensing reference signals and classical positioning techniques to estimate UE location, where network entities configure UE to transmit and measure sensing reference signals, allowing for joint sensing and localization within a network, with mode switching between sensing-only and joint use modes based on received signal power thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensing reference signals are used to estimate UE location in sub-THz frequency bands, then positioning capability is enhanced, but path loss increases and detectable range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpath loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines sensing reference signals with classical positioning techniques (downlink positioning reference signals) to create a hybrid positioning system. The UE transmits sensing reference signals and simultaneously receives downlink positioning reference signals from multiple TRPs, processing both signal types to estimate location. This merging approach compensates for the limited detectable range of sensing signals by using classical positioning signals that can penetrate further.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces downlink positioning reference signals as an intermediary to bridge the gap created by path loss in sub-THz sensing signals. These classical positioning signals act as mediators that can be received from multiple TRPs at lower power levels, enabling location estimation even when sensing signals experience high path loss, thus extending the effective detectable range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If UE transmits sensing reference signals for location estimation, then positioning function is activated, but resource overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation estimation accuracyVSAvoidresource overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching for the UE based on its current operational state and signal conditions. The UE can switch between sensing-only mode (when high positioning accuracy is required and sensing signals are available), joint use mode (when both sensing and classical positioning signals are used), and classical positioning mode (when sensing signals are unavailable or path loss is excessive). This dynamic adaptation optimizes resource usage by activating only the necessary positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the positioning system based on signal strength and availability. When sensing reference signals experience high path loss or insufficient signal power, the system transitions to using downlink positioning reference signals with different transmission parameters (lower frequency, higher power). This parameter change allows the system to maintain positioning functionality while reducing the resource overhead associated with transmitting powerful sub-THz sensing signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If sensing reference signals are transmitted at high power to overcome path loss, then detectable range is extended, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetectable rangeVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges sensing reference signal transmission with classical downlink positioning reference signal reception to create a complementary positioning system. The UE transmits sensing signals at moderate power levels, and the network simultaneously transmits downlink positioning signals from multiple TRPs. This combination allows location estimation to work effectively at extended ranges without requiring the sensing signals to be transmitted at excessively high power, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining detectable range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The downlink positioning reference signals serve as an intermediary that enables extended detectable range without requiring high transmission power from the UE. These network-transmitted signals can reach the UE at lower power levels compared to UE-transmitted sensing signals, effectively extending the communication range while reducing the energy consumption associated with high-power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240259157A1Sensing reference signal configuration

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

Various techniques are provided for a method of operating a network device including communicating, by a network entity to a user equipment (UE), an uplink sensing reference signal configuration, communicating, by the network entity to the UE, a criterion for reporting sensing reference signal measurements, and receiving, by the network entity from the UE, a sensing signal measurement report based on the criterion for reporting sensing reference signal measurements.