Terminal Localization via Beam-Specific RSTD Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G wireless communication systems, accurate localization of terminals is challenging due to the use of higher frequency bands and beamforming techniques, which affect signal propagation and strength.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an apparatus and method for terminal localization in a wireless communication system, where a terminal receives positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration information and measures the reference signal timing difference (RSTD) between signals received through different beams of a reference cell and neighboring cells, and transmits this information to a base station for localization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If beamforming techniques are used in 5G systems, then transmission distance and signal directionality are improved, but localization accuracy deteriorates due to beam-specific propagation characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidlocalization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the localization measurement into multiple beam-specific RSTD measurements. Instead of a single omnidirectional measurement, the terminal measures timing differences for each beam separately, allowing the system to account for beam-specific propagation characteristics while maintaining localization accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from a single timing advance value to multiple RSTD values corresponding to different beams. By measuring and reporting RSTD for each beam individually, the system adapts to the directional nature of beamforming while preserving localization precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If higher frequency bands (mmWave) are used, then data rates are improved, but signal propagation and strength are worsened affecting localization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidsignal propagation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the terminal measures PRS signals through different beams, determines RSTD for each beam, and reports these measurements back to the network. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to mmWave propagation conditions by selecting optimal beams for localization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic beam selection and measurement processes. The terminal dynamically measures PRS on multiple beams and reports RSTD values that reflect real-time propagation conditions, allowing the system to adapt to the challenging mmWave environment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple beams are used for signal transmission, then coverage and reliability are improved, but measurement complexity increases for accurate localization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal coverageVSAvoidmeasurement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the PRS measurement mechanism universal across multiple beams. The same PRS configuration information and RSTD measurement procedure are applied to each beam, providing a unified approach that handles multi-beam complexity without requiring separate measurement mechanisms for each beam

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

Data Source

PatentUS12335756B2Apparatus and method for localization of terminal in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12335756B2 patent drawing
  • US12335756B2 patent drawing
  • US12335756B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an operation method of a terminal in a wireless communication system includes: receiving positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration information related to a reference cell and one or more neighboring cells with respect to the terminal; receiving a message for requesting PRS measurement; in response to the receiving of the message, determining, based on the PRS configuration information, an RSTD between transmission time of a PRS received through a first beam of the reference cell, and transmission time of a PRS received through a second beam of each of the one or more neighboring cells; and transmitting measurement information including the RSTD to a base station.