Uplink Positioning Beam Sweeping via Capability-Based Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR systems, user equipment (UE) may not support beamforming for uplink positioning-only reception points, leading to incomplete or incorrect beam sweeping, which affects hearability and positioning accuracy due to unknown beamforming capabilities and insufficient resource allocation by the gNB.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism where the gNB collects UE beamforming capabilities and allocates positioning reference signal resources based on reported information, determining a beam sweeping rule to ensure correct direction scanning and resource utilization for 360° sweeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beam sweeping is performed without knowing UE beamforming capabilities, then beam coverage may be incomplete, but resource allocation becomes inefficient and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gNB performs preliminary actions by requesting and obtaining UE beamforming capability information before allocating positioning reference signal resources. This preliminary knowledge allows the gNB to determine an appropriate beam sweeping rule and allocate sufficient resources in advance, ensuring complete beam coverage without wasteful over-allocation.
2Measurement precision
If the gNB allocates sufficient resources for beam sweeping without knowing UE capabilities, then positioning accuracy improves, but resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gNB changes the parameter of resource allocation based on the UE's reported beamforming capabilities. By adapting the number of positioning reference signal resources to the specific UE capabilities and required beam sweeping extent, the system achieves accurate positioning while minimizing resource overhead, avoiding both under-allocation and wasteful over-allocation.
3Device complexity
If UE does not support beamforming for UL positioning-only RPs, then device complexity is reduced, but hearability and positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gNB acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between UEs with limited beamforming capabilities and UL positioning-only reception points. By obtaining capability information and determining appropriate beam sweeping rules, the gNB enables UEs without full beamforming support to still achieve reliable hearability and positioning accuracy through network-coordinated resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a base station includes sending a request for a report on beamforming capability to a target user equipment; receiving the report on the beamforming capability from the target user equipment; allocating at least one positioning reference signal resource for use by the target user equipment based on at least the capability information included in the report; determining a beam sweeping mle based on the at least one positioning reference signal resource allocated for the target user equipment; and sending the positioning reference signal resource allocation and the beam sweeping mle to the target user equipment. A corresponding method for a user equipment includes receiving a request for a report on beamforming capability from a serving base station; sending the report on the beamforming capability to the serving base station; receiving information relating to at least one positioning reference signal resource and a beam sweeping rule from the serving base station; and performing beam sweeping on uplink positioning reference signal transmissions using the received positioning reference signal resource allocation based on the beam sweeping rule.