Uplink Beam Coordination for Accurate 5G Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy uplink-based positioning methods are not easily applicable to 5G cellular systems due to multiple-beam operations disrupting time of arrival measurements, particularly at neighboring base stations, leading to inaccuracies in positioning estimates.
Innovation Solution
A coordinated uplink-based positioning method that involves a positioning computation node sending configuration information to both the UE and participating RAN nodes to align transmit and receive beams, enabling accurate measurements through coordinated beam alignment and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple-beam operations are used in 5G systems, then communication capacity and coverage are improved, but time of arrival measurements are disrupted leading to positioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning measurement process by introducing dedicated positioning reference signals (PRS) that are separate from regular communication data transmissions. This segmentation allows positioning measurements to be performed in dedicated time resources where multiple-beam operations are coordinated or suspended, thereby maintaining communication capacity while ensuring measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces positioning computation nodes and location management functions as intermediaries that coordinate between the multiple-beam communication operations and positioning measurements. These intermediaries manage beam switching, coordinate transmission timing, and process measurement data, enabling both high-capacity communication and accurate positioning without direct interference.
2Reliability
If beam switching is performed frequently to maintain communication quality, then signal reliability is improved, but positioning measurement accuracy deteriorates due to measurement disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-configuring positioning reference signals and pre-coordinating beam switching schedules before positioning measurements are taken. The location management function prepares measurement configurations and notifies relevant nodes in advance, ensuring that beam switching does not interfere with ongoing measurements while maintaining signal reliability through planned transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic positioning reference signal transmissions at specifically configured intervals that are synchronized with beam switching patterns. This periodic action creates predictable measurement opportunities where beams are stable, allowing accurate time of arrival measurements to be taken periodically without compromising overall signal reliability through continuous beam management.
3Ease of manufacture
If legacy uplink-based positioning methods are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but positioning accuracy is insufficient for 5G sub-meter requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning framework that works across both legacy and 5G systems by using standardized positioning computation nodes and location management functions that can handle multiple positioning methods (downlink-based, uplink-based, and combined). This multi-functionality maintains implementation simplicity through standardized interfaces while achieving sub-meter accuracy through coordinated beam operations and advanced measurement techniques specific to 5G.
Data Source
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AI summary
For uplink-based positioning, a transmission of an uplink reference signal via a transmit beam at a user equipment (UE) (100) is coordinated with a respective receive beams at one or more receivers (110). A positioning computation node (105) sends configuration information to the UE (100) and to the one or more receivers (110). The configuration information enables the receivers (110) to configure receive beams (111) to receive the uplink reference signal transmission from the UE (100). The receivers (110) perform various measurements of the uplink reference signal and report the measurements as well as beam information to the positioning computation node (105), which generates a position estimate.