Single-Access-Point Beam Positioning Without PRS Triangulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UE positioning methods in 5G NR networks require triangulation between multiple base stations, utilize additional positioning reference signals (PRS), and involve complex configuration processes, which consume bandwidth and increase complexity.

Innovation Solution

Estimate UE position using beam-specific reference signal measurements from a single access point, leveraging beam configurations and contour graphs to determine elevation and azimuth without requiring PRS signals, simplifying the process and conserving bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If triangulation between multiple base stations is used for UE positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and network complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the positioning function from a multi-base station triangulation system and implements it using only a single base station with multiple beams. By taking out the triangulation requirement and replacing it with beam-specific RSRP measurements and contour graph matching, the system achieves positioning without the complexity of coordinating multiple base stations while maintaining acceptable accuracy through the use of detailed beam configuration data and signal strength analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If additional positioning reference signals (PRS) are transmitted for UE positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidbandwidth usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes existing cell reference signals serve dual purposes: both for normal cellular communication and for positioning measurements. By configuring beams with specific elevations and azimuths and using the RSRP measurements of these existing reference signals for positioning, the system eliminates the need for separate PRS transmissions. The same reference signals that enable device communication also enable precise positioning through beam-specific measurement and contour graph matching.

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

3Measurement precision

If complex configuration processes are implemented for UE positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary configuration of beam parameters including elevations, azimuths, and RSRP thresholds before positioning is needed. Contour graphs are pre-generated based on these beam configurations and stored for quick reference. When positioning is required, the system simply matches measured RSRP values against these pre-computed contour graphs, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations and simplifying the operational process while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3874616B1Apparatus and method to estimate UE position
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3874616B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3874616B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3874616B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is provided a method, comprising determining a respective elevation of each of plural beams from an access point based on stored configuration data, wherein each of the plural beams is identified by a respective identification included in an indication comprising the identification of the respective beam and an information on a respective received beam power, and the indication is received from a terminal; selecting a first beam and a second beam among the plural beams such that the elevation of the first beam is different from the elevation of the second beam; retrieving, from the stored configuration data, a transmit power of the first beam and a transmit power of the second beam; estimating an estimated elevation of a line connecting the access point and the terminal based on the received beam powers, the transmit powers, and the elevations.