Client Device Orientation Estimation via Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies cannot determine the orientation of a client device independently of its positioning, as positioning methods only provide location information without orientation, and existing solutions like inertia measurement units are not related to network operation.
Innovation Solution
A client device equipped with a processor and memory configured to receive a positioning reference signal, identify the orientation of its polarization, and estimate its own orientation based on this information, which can be provided to a network node device without additional signaling, using assistance data such as angle of departure or antenna geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If positioning methods are used to determine client device location, then positioning accuracy is improved, but orientation information is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning reference signal is designed to serve dual purposes: traditional positioning and orientation estimation. By embedding polarization orientation information in the same signal used for positioning, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate signals or additional sensors, thus resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and orientation information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarization characteristics of the positioning reference signal act as an intermediary carrier for orientation information. Instead of directly measuring orientation through separate sensors, the system uses the polarization state of the radio signal as a mediator to transmit orientation data from the network node to the client device, enabling orientation estimation without compromising positioning functionality.
2Measurement precision
If inertia measurement units or similar sensors are used to estimate client device orientation, then orientation estimation is achieved, but network operation is not involved
Solution Approach 1:
The network node utilizes its existing transmission infrastructure to provide both positioning and orientation services. By configuring the positioning reference signal to carry polarization orientation information, the network node achieves multi-functionality, integrating orientation estimation capabilities into the existing network operation without requiring separate dedicated sensors or systems in the client device.
Solution Approach 2:
The client device leverages the positioning reference signal that it already receives for positioning purposes to also obtain orientation information. This self-service approach allows the client device to derive additional orientation data from the existing signal without requiring separate orientation sensors or additional network signaling, thus improving network operation integration while maintaining estimation accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If additional signaling is used to provide orientation information to client device, then orientation estimation accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges orientation information with the positioning reference signal by utilizing the polarization characteristics of the existing signal. Instead of transmitting separate orientation signals, the patent encodes polarization orientation data within the same radio signal framework, thereby combining multiple functions into a single signal transmission and avoiding additional signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space of the existing positioning reference signal by utilizing polarization state as an additional degree of freedom. By modulating the polarization orientation of the signal, the system embeds orientation information within the signal's physical characteristics rather than adding separate signaling channels, thus achieving accurate orientation estimation without increasing signaling quantity.
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 estimation of client device orientation in three dimensions, improving network operation by providing accurate orientation information without additional signaling, essential for applications like autonomous vehicles in industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
identify an orientation of a polarisation of the first positioning reference signal based on the received first positioning reference signal
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example embodiment, a client device is configured to receive a first positioning reference signal; identify an orientation of a polarisation of the first positioning reference signal based on the received first positioning reference signal; estimate an orientation of the client device based on at least the identified orientation of the polarisation of the first positioning reference signal; and provide the orientation estimate to a network node device, Devices, methods, and computer programs are disclosed.