5G UE Reference Signal Offset Processing for Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving high spectral efficiency and reduced latency for positioning methods, particularly in determining the location of mobile devices, which is essential for applications like emergency calls and navigation, due to limitations in existing reference signal processing techniques.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a user equipment (UE) that receives and processes multiple reference signals with overlapping frequency ranges and supplemental signals to determine offsets, allowing for combined processing and improved positioning accuracy, including the transmission of capability messages to network entities to facilitate efficient resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple reference signals are transmitted with overlapping frequency ranges to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference signals are segmented into different frequency ranges (first frequency range and second frequency range) with at least partial overlap. The UE processes these segmented signals separately to determine individual offsets, then combines the results. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high positioning accuracy through multiple measurements while managing processing complexity by dividing the overall signal processing into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a supplemental signal with a third frequency range that overlaps with either the first or second frequency range (or both). This adds another dimension to the signal processing by incorporating temporal and frequency domain overlaps. The UE determines additional offsets from the supplemental signal and combines them with offsets from the reference signals, effectively using multi-dimensional signal characteristics to improve positioning accuracy while maintaining manageable processing complexity through structured combination rules.
2Device complexity
If reference signals are processed separately to reduce processing complexity, then processing complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the processing of multiple reference signals and supplemental signals by determining individual offsets from each signal (first offset from first reference signal, second offset from second reference signal, third offset from supplemental signal) and then combining these offsets to determine a final indication of time or range. This merging approach allows the system to maintain relatively simple individual processing steps while achieving high positioning accuracy through the combination of multiple measurements.
3Productivity
If traditional reference signal methods are used to maintain simple processing, then processing simplicity is maintained, but spectral efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by having the UE simultaneously process multiple reference signals and supplemental signals with overlapping frequency and time ranges. Instead of sequential processing, the system continuously receives and processes all signals (first reference signal, second reference signal, and supplemental signal) to determine multiple offsets that are then combined. This continuous multi-signal processing improves spectral efficiency by utilizing overlapping frequency and time resources more effectively.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple reference signals with overlapping frequencies are used to improve coverage, then coverage is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE determine individual offsets from each reference signal and supplemental signal before combining them. The first offset is determined from the first reference signal, the second offset from the second reference signal, and the third offset from the supplemental signal. These preliminary offset determinations are then combined to produce the final time or range indication. This preliminary processing of individual signals allows for efficient parallel processing that reduces overall positioning latency while maintaining extended coverage through overlapping frequency ranges.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment includes a processor configured to: receive a first, second, and third reference signals including a first, second, and third sets of tones, and spanning first, second, and third frequency ranges in first and second sets of symbols and at least one third symbol, respectively, the first and second frequency ranges differing; where at least one of (1) the third frequency range overlaps the first frequency range, or (2) the at least one third symbol overlaps with the first set of symbols and the third frequency range overlaps the second frequency range; determine an offset between the first reference signal and the supplemental signal using the third set of tones; and determine a first indication, of a time and/or a range, based on a combination of the first reference signal and the second reference signal using the offset.