Beamforming Node Exclusion for Stable Wireless Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dynamic nature of beamforming nodes' coverage models in wireless communication systems, such as 5G and 802.11ac networks, reduces the accuracy and reliability of radio models and location estimation due to varying signal strengths over time, affecting positioning systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus to identify beamforming nodes and restrict their use in positioning systems by excluding their data from radio map generation and location determination, relying instead on non-beamforming nodes for more accurate models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If beamforming nodes are included in positioning systems, then network coverage and signal strength are improved, but positioning accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to dynamic coverage model variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments wireless communication nodes into two distinct categories: beamforming nodes and non-beamforming nodes. This segmentation allows the positioning system to treat different node types differently, using non-beamforming nodes for accurate positioning while beamforming nodes provide supplementary coverage enhancement without compromising positioning reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional roles to different nodes based on their characteristics. Non-beamforming nodes are designated for positioning purposes where stability is critical, while beamforming nodes are used for coverage enhancement where dynamic signal adjustment is beneficial. This localized functional assignment resolves the contradiction by optimizing each node's contribution according to its inherent properties.
2Area of stationary object
If beamforming nodes are used for positioning, then network coverage is enhanced, but model stability and reliability worsen due to varying coverage patterns over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless network into stable non-beamforming nodes for positioning and dynamic beamforming nodes for coverage extension. This segmentation enables the system to maintain stable positioning models using non-beamforming nodes while still benefiting from the expanded coverage provided by beamforming nodes, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage area and model stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of beamforming nodes' dynamic coverage variations into a beneficial outcome by excluding them from positioning calculations. The dynamic nature of beamforming nodes, which would normally harm positioning stability, is instead utilized purely for coverage enhancement, transforming their variability from a liability into an asset for network expansion without compromising positioning reliability.
3Device complexity
If all wireless communication nodes are utilized for positioning, then system complexity is reduced, but positioning reliability deteriorates due to inclusion of dynamic beamforming nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by categorizing wireless communication nodes into beamforming and non-beamforming groups, using only non-beamforming nodes for positioning. This approach increases system complexity slightly through node classification but dramatically improves positioning reliability by excluding dynamic nodes, representing an acceptable trade-off that resolves the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary classification mechanism that identifies and separates beamforming nodes from non-beamforming nodes. This intermediary step adds complexity to the system architecture but ensures positioning reliability by preventing direct inclusion of dynamic beamforming nodes in positioning calculations, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Data Source
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Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to identify a particular wireless communication node of one or more wireless communication nodes as a beamforming node. The method, apparatus and computer program product also restrict use of the particular wireless communication node for positioning purposes relative to another one of the wireless communication nodes that has not been identified as a beamforming node. In relation to restricting the use of a beamforming node for positioning purpose, the use of a beamforming node may be restricted in relation to the generation or updating of a radio map and/or in relation to the determination of a position of a mobile device.