UE Localization Beam Selection Using Position Quality Metrics

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in 5G NR networks is the large number of narrow, high-gain beams used for compensating high path loss in millimeter wave bands, which complicates the provision of assistance data for UE positioning due to the extensive list of possible beams, creating issues in network efficiency and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

Methods for UE positioning that involve receiving and determining optimal beam sets based on first and second positioning measurements, using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurements, and adjusting beam lists based on line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight propagation conditions to enhance positioning accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large number of narrow, high-gain beams are used to compensate for high path loss in millimeter wave bands, then coverage and signal quality are improved, but the complexity of providing assistance data for UE positioning increases and network efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidbeam list complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary subset of beams from the complete beam list for positioning assistance data. Instead of providing all narrow beams, the system identifies and selects a reduced set of beams that are sufficient for accurate UE positioning, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the complete beam list into multiple groups or categories based on spatial relationships and positioning requirements. This segmentation allows the system to provide assistance data in a structured, manageable way, reducing the overall complexity of beam management for positioning purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If a large number of narrow, high-gain beams are used to compensate for high path loss in millimeter wave bands, then coverage is improved, but network efficiency deteriorates due to extensive beam lists

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidnetwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the essential beams needed for positioning from the complete beam set, reducing the overhead and processing requirements while maintaining adequate coverage for positioning purposes. This selective extraction improves network efficiency by minimizing the extensive beam list problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If all possible beams are included in positioning assistance data, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the amount of assistance data and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidassistance data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies extraction by identifying and selecting only the critical subset of beams that contribute most significantly to positioning accuracy. This selective approach reduces the volume of assistance data while preserving the essential information needed for accurate UE positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by providing different levels of beam information based on specific positioning requirements and UE locations. Instead of uniformly providing all beam data, the system tailors the assistance data to the local positioning needs, reducing overall data volume while maintaining accuracy where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3997927B1Discriminating beams based upon position quality metric for UE localization
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3997927B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3997927B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3997927B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Embodiments include methods, performed by a network node in a wireless network, for positioning a user equipment (UE) based on beams transmitted by the wireless network. Such methods include receiving, from the UE, first positioning measurements of first reference signals (RS) transmitted by the wireless network on a first plurality of beams. Such methods include, based on the first positioning measurements and transmission directions of the first plurality of beams, determining a second plurality of beams that differs from the first plurality of beams by at least one beam (e.g., subset, superset, partially overlapping, etc.). Various ways of obtaining the second plurality of beams are disclosed. Such methods also include obtaining second positioning measurements made by the UE on the second plurality of beams. Other embodiments include complementary methods performed by a UE, as well as network nodes and UEs configured to perform such methods.