Sidelink UL-PRS Spatial Configuration for UE Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technologies lack definitions for sidelink (SL)-based assisted measurements in Long-Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) reporting, hindering the effective use of sidelink interfaces for determining the location of User Equipment (UE) in wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
Configuring User Equipment (UE) with an Uplink Position Reference Signal (UL-PRS) transmission via the SL interface, utilizing an anchor UE connected via the SL interface as a base station, and employing various aspects of the SL interface for reference in advanced modes to enhance positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sidelink interface is used for positioning measurements, then positioning capability is extended to device-to-device scenarios, but lack of defined measurement protocols and reporting mechanisms prevents effective implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies existing base station positioning protocols and adapts them for sidelink usage. Specifically, it reuses downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS) concepts for sidelink downlink (SL-DL) measurements and uplink positioning reference signal (UL-PRS) concepts for sidelink uplink (SL-UL) measurements, allowing proven base station positioning methods to be replicated in the device-to-device context without requiring entirely new protocol definitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal positioning framework that works across multiple interfaces (Uu and Sidelink) and multiple directions (DL and UL). The same positioning measurement principles and reporting mechanisms are designed to function whether measurements are taken via traditional base station interfaces or sidelink interfaces, enabling a single set of protocols to serve multiple positioning scenarios
2Ease of manufacture
If anchor UE is used to mimic base station functionality, then SL-based positioning can be implemented without additional network infrastructure, but measurement accuracy and reliability are compromised without standardized procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts and optimizes positioning measurement parameters specifically for sidelink conditions. It modifies reference signal configurations, measurement timing, and reporting thresholds to account for the different propagation characteristics and interference patterns of device-to-device communications compared to traditional base station scenarios, thereby maintaining accuracy while enabling infrastructure-less deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where measurement results from anchor UEs are reported back to the target UE and network entities. This feedback loop allows for continuous optimization of positioning accuracy, with measurement data being used to refine positioning estimates and adjust measurement parameters dynamically based on observed sidelink conditions
3Measurement precision
If SL interface aspects are used as reference for UL-PRS, then positioning precision is enhanced through multiple reference options, but system complexity increases due to additional configuration parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic selection of reference signals for UL-PRS spatial relationship configuration. Instead of requiring all reference signal types to be configured simultaneously, the system dynamically selects appropriate references based on current sidelink conditions, available measurements, and positioning requirements. This allows the system to adapt the complexity level to the specific operational context
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the reference signal configuration into distinct, optional categories (SL-DL reference signals, SL-UL reference signals, and traditional Uu interface references). Each category can be independently configured and activated based on what is needed for the specific positioning scenario, allowing the system to build complexity incrementally rather than requiring all parameters to be present simultaneously
Data Source
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AI summary
According to embodiments herein, a UE can be configured with a spatial relationship for an Uplink Position Reference Signal (UL-PRS) to transmit via the SL interface. This information can include various options related to a transparent mode in which an anchor UE connected with the UE via the SL interface generally acts like a base station. In an advanced mode, any of a variety of aspects of the SL interface used in communication between the UE and anchor UE may be used as a reference for UL-PRS.