Base Station Obstacle Detection Using Positioning Reference Signal Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting obstacles near base stations, such as manual on-site verification and drive tests, are costly and inefficient, and conventional radar systems require additional detection modules, which are costly to integrate and cannot directly indicate antenna performance issues.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a positioning reference signal (PRS) transmitted by the base station to detect obstacles by measuring the power level and time difference between transmission leakage and reflection signals, allowing for determination of obstacle presence and position without additional detection devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual on-site verification is used for obstacle detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but labor cost and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs self-diagnosis by using its own transmitted positioning reference signals to detect obstacles. The detection function is integrated into the base station itself, eliminating the need for external manual verification and enabling automated, continuous monitoring without additional labor costs or time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning reference signal serves dual purposes: it enables normal positioning functionality while simultaneously serving as a radar signal for obstacle detection. This multi-functionality allows the system to perform both communication and detection tasks using the same signal resource, improving efficiency without requiring separate detection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If conventional radar systems are used for obstacle detection, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and integration cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle detection capabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning reference signal is utilized for both its original positioning purpose and as a radar signal for obstacle detection. By making the signal multi-functional, the system achieves radar detection capability without requiring separate radar hardware, thereby reducing device complexity and integration costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The obstacle detection function is merged with the existing base station communication system. The detection process combines the transmitted positioning reference signal with received reflection signals, integrating detection capabilities into the communication infrastructure rather than adding separate radar systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If conventional radar systems are used for obstacle detection, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection system cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The base station uses its own transmitted signals for detection purposes, eliminating the need for external radar systems. This self-service approach reduces detection system costs by utilizing existing communication infrastructure rather than requiring additional expensive detection equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning reference signal serves dual purposes as both a communication signal and a radar signal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems, thereby lowering overall system costs while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If additional detection modules are added to base stations, then detection accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performance monitoringVSAvoidintegration difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs self-diagnosis using its own transmitted positioning reference signals. This eliminates the need for additional external detection modules and simplifies manufacturing by utilizing existing base station components rather than requiring complex integrations of separate detection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning reference signal is made multi-functional to serve both communication and detection purposes. This approach avoids the need for additional detection modules, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining the ability to monitor antenna performance and detect obstacles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient and cost-effective obstacle detection and performance optimization of base station antennas by using existing PRS signals, reducing manual intervention and integration costs.

Implementation Method 1

receive a transmission leakage signal and a reflection signal of the positioning reference signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11402480B2Method and apparatus for obstacle detection
Publication Date: 2022.08.02 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US11402480B2 patent drawing
  • US11402480B2 patent drawing
  • US11402480B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, apparatus and computer program product for obstacle detection. A method implemented at a base station includes transmitting a positioning reference signal; receiving a transmission leakage signal and a reflection signal of the positioning reference signal; determining whether there exists an obstacle based on the reflection signal; and determining position information of the obstacle based on the transmission leakage signal and the reflection signal.