Wireless Device Positioning With Two-Step PRS Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning technologies in wireless communication networks face challenges in achieving high accuracy and minimizing interference, particularly in dense network deployments where numerous reference points transmit with limited resources, leading to signal degradation and reduced positioning quality.
Innovation Solution
A two-step positioning method is employed, where a first step uses a coarse positioning measurement with high transmit power, wide beams, and reduced resource allocation, followed by a second step with fine positioning using low transmit power, narrow beams, and increased resource allocation, coordinated across network nodes to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a densified network deploys many reference points close to each other, then positioning coverage is improved, but signal interference increases and positioning accuracy degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning measurement process into two distinct steps: a first positioning step using a first set of radio network nodes, and a second positioning step using a second set of radio network nodes. This segmentation allows the system to utilize different node sets for different measurement phases, reducing interference between simultaneous transmissions and improving overall positioning accuracy in dense networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by sequentially executing the first positioning step and then the second positioning step, rather than performing all measurements simultaneously. The network node activates different sets of reference points at different time periods, which reduces signal interference while maintaining comprehensive coverage in densified network scenarios.
2Productivity
If multiple radio network nodes transmit positioning reference signals simultaneously, then positioning measurement opportunities increase, but interference between signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radio network nodes into at least two distinct sets: a first set used for the first positioning step and a second set used for the second positioning step. This segmentation ensures that nodes from different sets do not transmit positioning reference signals simultaneously, thereby reducing interference while maintaining high measurement throughput through sequential operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning measurements using the first set of radio network nodes before activating the second set of nodes for further measurements. This preliminary action allows the system to gather initial positioning data with reduced interference, then proceed to more precise measurements using the second node set, optimizing overall productivity while minimizing harmful interference.
3Measurement precision
If all radio network nodes are activated for positioning measurements, then measurement accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio network nodes into multiple sets that are activated selectively based on the positioning step required. The first set of nodes is activated for the first positioning step, and the second set is activated for the second positioning step. This segmentation ensures that not all nodes are simultaneously active, reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision through coordinated multi-step measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary subset of radio network nodes for each positioning step rather than all nodes continuously. The first positioning step uses a first set of nodes, and the second positioning step uses a second set, ensuring that energy is consumed only when and where needed for achieving the required positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed, performed by a network node in a wireless communications network, for supporting positioning of a wireless device. The wireless communications network comprises a first set of radio network nodes having a first positioning reference signal configuration and a second set of radio network nodes having a second positioning reference signal configuration. The first positioning reference signal configuration provides a different positioning requirement than the second reference signal configuration. The method comprises signaling, to the wireless device, a first positioning request comprising a first indication of a positioning requirement of a first positioning measurement. The method comprises obtaining a first estimated position of the wireless device, based on a first positioning measurement for the wireless device. The first positioning measurement is associated with the first set of radio network nodes. The method comprises signaling, to the subset of the second set of radio network nodes, an indication to participate in the second positioning measurement. The second indication of the positioning requirement of the second positioning measurement indicates a different positioning requirement than the first indication of the positioning requirement.