Coded Anchors for Wireless Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing localization and ranging services in wireless networks face challenges in achieving high accuracy without requiring multiple hardware anchors, especially for low-capability devices and in scenarios where devices are in different rooms.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves using coded beams transmitted via non-line-of-sight paths from identified reflectors to determine the location of a receiver in a wireless network. The receiver measures propagation parameters of the coded beams and uses known reflector locations to calculate its position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If S-BS positioning approach starts from completely unknown scene geometry, then localization can be achieved without known reflectors, but several hundred measurement points are required which lead to high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scene mapping to identify and catalog reflectors with their locations before actual positioning occurs. This pre-characterization of the environment allows the positioning system to use known reflector information during operation, dramatically reducing the measurement points needed from hundreds to just a few, thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining adaptability
2Device complexity
If downlink localization techniques use AoA estimation, then localization can be performed with single antenna receiver, but multiple antennas are required for AoA estimation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the receiver perform AoA estimation (which requires multiple antennas), the system inverts the approach by having the transmitter perform AoA estimation of the receiver using reflected signals. This allows single-antenna receivers to achieve accurate positioning without requiring multiple antennas at the receiver end
3Ease of operation
If ranging-based proximity services use nearest device selection, then device control can be simplified, but errors occur when nearest device is in different room
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces reflector information as an intermediary layer between the device and the control decision. By using known reflector locations and measuring propagation parameters through reflected paths, the system can determine whether devices are in the same room before establishing control relationships, ensuring that nearest device control only connects devices within the same physical space
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
This approach simplifies and enhances the reliability of localization and ranging services by reducing hardware, transmission, and computing requirements, while also improving accuracy and resolving errors that occur when devices are in different rooms.
Implementation Method 1
receive a plurality of coded beams at the receiver via non-line-of-sight paths from respective reflectors
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a transmitter (such as a gateway or base station, both indoors and outdoors) that actively creates multiple virtual anchors which are associated with certain known reflectors by means of a code, to allow low-capability receivers to be localized more easily. By measuring propagation features, such as, e.g., timing of receipt, of three or more coded beams, low capability receivers—even those with only a single antenna—can be localized, e.g., by the transmitter or by the receivers themselves. The receivers might localize themselves if each beam includes e.g. the location of the anchors, the location of transmitter, and the sending time. This has the advantage that the receivers do not have to send any information back to the transmitter.