Virtual TRP Signalling for Multipath-Resilient 5G Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G-NR positioning systems face challenges in multipath propagation environments due to the reliance on line-of-sight paths, which can degrade accuracy when obstructed, and lack robustness against sudden losses of transmission-reception points (TRPs), particularly when there are insufficient TRPs to provide positioning reference signals.
Innovation Solution
A signalling framework that enables the network to generate a map of virtual transmission-reception points (V-TRPs) by utilizing UE capabilities to report V-TRP information, allowing for enhanced positioning accuracy by incorporating multipath information through V-TRP measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the positioning system relies on line-of-sight paths from transmission-reception points, then positioning accuracy is improved under clear conditions, but accuracy degrades when LoS paths are obstructed by obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts multipath signals, which were previously considered harmful interference, into beneficial virtual transmission-reception points. By treating reflected signals from obstacles as additional positioning sources (V-TRPs), the system transforms the harmful effect of multipath propagation into a useful resource for enhancing positioning accuracy and reliability, especially when direct LoS paths are blocked
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual transmission-reception points as intermediary entities that mediate between physical obstacles and the positioning system. These V-TRPs act as virtual signal sources that represent the effect of reflected signals, allowing the system to indirectly utilize obstacle-reflected paths for positioning without requiring direct line-of-sight to the original physical TRPs
2Device complexity
If there are insufficient transmission-reception points to provide positioning reference signals, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning integrity and robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of transmission-reception points by processing reflected signals. Instead of deploying additional physical TRPs, the system generates virtual representations (V-TRPs) of the signal paths, effectively copying the positioning function without requiring additional physical infrastructure. This allows the system to maintain positioning integrity even with limited physical TRPs
3Measurement precision
If the system uses multiple multipath components for positioning, then positioning accuracy is enhanced, but the complexity of signal processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling user equipment to autonomously detect, measure, and report multipath components without requiring complex network-side processing. The UE performs self-service signal processing by identifying reflected paths and reporting them as V-TRP measurements, thereby enhancing positioning accuracy while keeping network complexity manageable through standardized reporting mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Improves positioning accuracy and robustness by leveraging V-TRPs as additional signal sources, even in environments with obstructed line-of-sight paths, and provides a fallback mechanism to maintain accuracy when LoS components are lost.
Implementation Method 1
A special aspect of positioning in multipath propagation environments is that multiple signal paths can be used in estimating UE's location. However, the use of multiple paths is not trivial, since they are associated with reflections generated by landmarks with unknown locations.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided apparatuses, methods and computer program products. In accordance with an embodiment, there is disclosed a method including receiving from one or more user equipment an indication that the user equipment is capable to report information about a virtual transmission reception point related to a wireless communication system; configuring a measurement resource set for virtual transmission reception point; informing the one or more user equipment about the measurement resource set; receiving from the one or more user equipment an enhanced measurement report containing measurements of signals received from one or more transmission reception points and virtual transmission reception points; combining several enhanced measurement reports received from one or more user equipment; and estimating locations of the one or more virtual transmission reception points on the basis of the combined enhanced measurement reports.