Camera-Assisted UE Location Estimation Through LoS Path Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the location of user equipment (UE) due to the difficulty in distinguishing between line-of-sight (LoS) and non-LoS signal paths, leading to significant positioning errors, especially in indoor environments where reflections and obstructions are common.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using cameras mounted on network nodes to determine the line-of-sight (LoS) path between the UE and the network node by processing images for object recognition, thereby enabling accurate location estimation by considering only LoS signal components for positioning calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If time-based positioning solutions are used to determine UE location, then positioning functionality is provided, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to inability to distinguish LoS and non-LoS signal paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces camera-based visual detection as an intermediary system to determine whether a LoS path exists between UE and network nodes. The camera captures images and processes them to generate LoS probability indicators, which then guide the selection of positioning measurements. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by providing accurate LoS/non-LoS discrimination without requiring changes to the core time-based positioning methodology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional radio signal-based LoS detection approach with an optical system (camera). Instead of analyzing radio wave propagation characteristics to infer LoS conditions, the system uses visual imaging to directly observe whether physical obstructions block the path between UE and network nodes. This substitution provides more reliable LoS determination, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all available signal measurements are used for positioning calculations, then positioning coverage is improved, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates LoS measurements from non-LoS measurements using camera-based detection. By identifying which measurements correspond to LoS paths, the system extracts only the high-quality measurements needed for accurate positioning. This extraction process reduces the number of measurements requiring detailed processing while maintaining positioning coverage through selective use of validated LoS data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using camera-based LoS detection only for measurements where visual verification is feasible and beneficial. Rather than applying complex processing to all possible measurements, the system selectively processes measurements based on LoS probability indicators, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining adequate positioning coverage for critical measurements.
3Measurement precision
If camera-based LoS detection is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the camera system for multiple purposes: capturing images for LoS detection, providing visual context for positioning validation, and potentially supporting other positioning-enhancement features. This universal approach consolidates hardware resources, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera-based LoS detection system operates autonomously, capturing images and processing them to generate LoS probability indicators without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the detection process, reducing operational complexity and enabling automated positioning accuracy improvement without increasing human resource requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If LoS and non-LoS measurements are processed together, then positioning coverage is maintained, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to interference from non-LoS paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments measurements into distinct categories based on LoS probability: high-probability LoS measurements, low-probability LoS measurements, and non-LoS measurements. This segmentation allows the system to process and weight measurements differently according to their reliability, maintaining coverage by including all measurement types while improving accuracy by giving appropriate weight to high-quality LoS measurements and reducing the influence of non-LoS paths.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided. In an example aspect, a method (300, 400, 500) of estimating a location of a User Equipment (UE) is provided. The method comprises determining (302) whether a signal transmitted between the UE and a first network node has a line-of-sight (LoS) path between the UE and the first network node, and estimating (304) the location of the UE based on the signal received at the first network node and based on whether the signal has a LoS path.