Zero-Power PRS Configuration for Wireless Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in enhancing positioning accuracy, particularly in scenarios where positioning reference signals (PRS) resources overlap, and in effectively receiving PRS from both serving and neighboring cells.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow user equipment (UE) to request and configure zero-power settings for PRS resources, enabling accurate positioning by selectively muting or configuring PRS resources to improve signal reception from multiple sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PRS resources are transmitted from multiple cells including serving and neighboring cells, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signal interference increases when PRS resources overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively configuring zero-power PRS resources at transmitting cells before interference occurs. The serving cell and neighboring cells are pre-instructed to mute PRS transmission in specific time-frequency resources where overlap is expected, preventing interference before it affects positioning measurements. This is achieved through network-configured muting patterns that suppress potential interfering signals in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying zero-power configuration selectively to specific PRS resources rather than globally muting all PRS transmissions. Only the overlapping portions of PRS resources from different cells are configured with zero power, while non-overlapping resources continue normal transmission. This localized muting approach preserves positioning signal quality in non-interfering regions while eliminating interference in overlapping regions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If PRS muting is configured to eliminate interference, then signal reception quality is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to loss of PRS resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring zero-power PRS resources only in the specific time-frequency resources where PRS overlap occurs between different cells. Non-overlapping PRS resources continue to be transmitted with normal power, ensuring that positioning measurements can still be performed using these clean, interference-free signals. This selective muting approach maintains overall positioning accuracy while improving signal quality in overlapping regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by applying muting only to the extent necessary - specifically to the overlapping portions of PRS resources. Rather than completely muting all PRS transmissions from a cell, the network configures zero-power resources only where interference would occur, preserving the majority of PRS resources for positioning measurements. This partial muting strategy minimizes the loss of positioning information while still eliminating harmful interference.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If UE requests zero-power configuration for overlapping PRS resources, then interference is reduced, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by configuring PRS muting patterns that repeat periodically in time. Instead of requiring continuous signaling to manage interference, the network establishes periodic muting patterns that automatically suppress interference at regular intervals where PRS overlap is expected. This periodic approach reduces signaling overhead by eliminating the need for continuous interference management commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring zero-power PRS resources through network signaling before the UE encounters interference issues. The muting patterns and zero-power resource configurations are established in advance through RRC signaling or other configuration mechanisms, so that when the UE receives PRS, the interference has already been proactively eliminated by the transmitting cells. This preliminary configuration reduces the need for dynamic, real-time signaling.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a next-generation wireless communication system for supporting a higher data transfer rate and the like beyond the 4th generation (4G) wireless communication system. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for transmitting/receiving a signal in a wireless communication system and an apparatus for supporting same can be provided.