Sidelink RTT Resource Scheduling for Accurate 5G NR Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in efficiently utilizing round trip time (RTT) for sidelink positioning, which is crucial for accurate device-to-device and ultra-reliable communications, especially in scenarios involving unmanned aerial vehicles and other computing devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing RTT-based sidelink positioning techniques, where UEs can transmit RTT measurement capabilities, perform PRS sequence exchanges, and schedule resources for multi-RTT transmissions using sidelink control information, enabling precise location determination and resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If RTT-based sidelink positioning procedures are implemented in 5G NR systems, then positioning accuracy and efficiency are improved, but device complexity and resource management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidresource management overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning procedure is divided into distinct phases: capability indication, resource determination, and PRS sequence exchange. Each phase is handled separately with specific resource allocations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

UEs indicate their sidelink positioning capabilities (including RTT measurement capability and PRS capability) before the actual positioning procedure begins. This preliminary capability exchange allows the network to pre-configure appropriate resources and procedures, reducing runtime complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple supporting UEs are used for multi-RTT positioning, then positioning reliability is improved, but resource allocation complexity and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidpositioning latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

PRS sequences are exchanged in structured periodic patterns between the target UE and multiple supporting UEs. The periodic structure allows for efficient resource reuse and coordinated multi-UE positioning, improving reliability while managing latency through predictable timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system supports both serial and parallel PRS sequence exchanges dynamically. The target UE can select to perform exchanges with multiple supporting UEs sequentially or concurrently based on capability indications and current conditions, optimizing the balance between reliability and latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If dedicated SCI for RTT PRS sequence transmission is used, then positioning precision is improved, but control signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidcontrol signaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows SCI to serve multiple purposes: it can be the same SCI used for PSSCH transmission or a dedicated SCI for RTT PRS sequences. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate control mechanisms while maintaining precise positioning capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The SCI format and content are adjusted based on the positioning procedure requirements. By changing parameters within the SCI structure (such as resource allocation fields and signaling bits), the system achieves precise control for positioning without requiring completely separate dedicated control channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260006576A1Resource Allocation for Sidelink Positioning
Publication Date: 2026.01.01 APPLE INC
  • US20260006576A1 patent drawing
  • US20260006576A1 patent drawing
  • US20260006576A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for RTT based sidelink positioning, e.g., in 5G NR systems and beyond. A UE may determine resources for at least one RTT transmission as part of a sidelink positioning procedure. The UE may acquire the resources and perform the sidelink positioning procedure using the acquired resources.