5G Positioning Angle Estimation Using Antenna Orientation Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the angle-based measurements for positioning, as existing methods do not effectively utilize antenna information such as type, placement, and orientation, leading to suboptimal angle estimation algorithms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating antenna type, placement, and orientation information into angle estimation algorithms, specifically by reporting antenna placement and beam patterns, to optimize angle-based positioning techniques in 5G NR systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing angle estimation algorithms are used without antenna information, then the system is simpler to implement, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of antenna elements (calculating beam patterns, phase centers, and radiation patterns) during system setup or calibration phase. This pre-computed information is stored and then used during positioning operations to improve angle estimation accuracy without adding real-time computational complexity. The antenna information is prepared in advance and made available to the positioning algorithm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces antenna information (beam patterns, phase centers, radiation patterns) as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between raw signal measurements and final positioning calculations. This intermediary data mediates between the simple measurement process and the complex positioning requirement, enabling accurate angle estimation by accounting for antenna-specific characteristics without requiring the entire positioning system to be complex.
2Measurement precision
If antenna information is incorporated into angle estimation, then positioning accuracy improves, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates and stores antenna characterization data (beam patterns, phase centers, radiation patterns) during an initial calibration or setup phase. This pre-computed information is then retrieved and used during positioning operations without requiring time-consuming real-time calculations. The heavy computational work is performed in advance when time is not critical, and only lightweight data retrieval and application are needed during actual positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational model or representation (copy) of the antenna's electromagnetic characteristics through beam patterns and radiation patterns. This copied information captures the essential antenna behavior without requiring complex real-time electromagnetic simulations. The model serves as a simplified representation that can be quickly applied to multiple positioning scenarios without re-computing the full antenna characteristics each time.
3Measurement precision
If multiple antenna parameters are reported, then angle estimation accuracy improves, but the amount of data transmitted increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and reports only the essential antenna information parameters (beam patterns, phase centers, radiation patterns) that are directly needed for angle estimation. By identifying and transmitting only these critical parameters rather than all possible antenna data, the system reduces information overhead while maintaining the necessary accuracy for positioning calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of detail to different antenna parameters based on their importance for positioning accuracy. Critical parameters like beam patterns and phase centers are reported with high precision, while less critical parameters are either omitted or reported with reduced precision. This localized approach to information quality ensures that positioning accuracy is maintained for the most important measurements while minimizing overall data transmission requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various techniques for wireless positioning. In an aspect, a user equipment (UE) determines one or more angle-based measurements of one or more reference signal resources transmitted by or received at the UE on one or more antennas of the UE and reports, to a positioning entity, the one or more angle-based measurements, a beam pattern associated with the one or more reference signal resources, a type of the one or more antennas, locations of the one or more antennas on the UE, an orientation of the one or more antennas, or any combination thereof.