Wireless Node Beam Sweeping for 5G Indoor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G NR positioning methods, such as UL-AoA and DL-AoD, face challenges in indoor factory deployments due to non-line of sight (NLOS) components, which affect accuracy by introducing multipath components that obscure positioning estimation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a wireless node receiving assistance information from a location network node to manage reference signal transmission and reception within an estimated range of angles, reducing beam width and latency, and filtering out multipath components, thereby improving positioning accuracy and network efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beam sweeping covers the full range of angles, then positioning coverage is complete, but positioning accuracy is reduced due to NLOS components and multipath interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform full-range beam sweeping to non-uniform beam sweeping focused on estimated angles. The system concentrates beam resources in the local angular region where the wireless device is expected to be, based on assistance information from the location network node. This selective focusing improves positioning accuracy by reducing NLOS components and multipath interference in the target area while maintaining complete coverage through the estimated angle range.
2Measurement precision
If beam width is reduced to increase positioning granularity, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the number of beams required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting beam width and beam sweeping range based on assistance information. Instead of using a fixed set of beams covering the full range, the system modifies beam parameters (width, direction, coverage area) according to the estimated position and angle range of the wireless device. This allows the system to use fewer beams with appropriate widths for the specific positioning scenario, reducing complexity while maintaining accuracy.
3Productivity
If full beam sweeping is performed, then all possible angles are covered, but latency increases and network efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using assistance information from the location network node to pre-estimate the angular range where the wireless device is likely to be. This estimated angle range is used to configure beam sweeping before actual positioning measurements are taken. By preparing the beam configuration in advance based on predicted device location, the system avoids unnecessary beam sweeping in irrelevant directions, reducing latency and improving network efficiency while ensuring the device is covered.
4Reliability
If reference signal resources are used extensively for comprehensive positioning, then coverage is complete, but resource utilization efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary portion of reference signal resources for positioning. Instead of transmitting reference signals across the full angular range, the system transmits signals only in the estimated angle range where the wireless device is expected to be. This partial coverage approach maintains positioning reliability by focusing resources on the relevant area while significantly reducing overall reference signal resource consumption and improving energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a wireless node is disclosed, for enabling positioning of a wireless device, WD. The method comprises receiving, from a location network node, assistance information comprising an estimated range of angles to be used for a positioning method of the WD. The method comprises performing a positioning method for the WD based on the assistance information.