Electromagnetic Reflecting Surface Beam Steering for Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning a terminal using intelligent electromagnetic reflecting surfaces are inefficient and costly, as they do not utilize the characteristics of these surfaces effectively, and require additional systems or accessories, limiting their implementation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a transmitting device that sends pilot signals to an electromagnetic reflecting surface, controlled by a control unit to orient reflected beams in specific directions using temporal and direction information, allowing for signal measurement and positioning of the receiving device based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional DOA estimation methods (MUSIC, ESPRIT) are used with intelligent electromagnetic reflecting surfaces, then positioning can be performed, but reflection efficiency is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the electromagnetic reflecting surface itself by having the receiving device perform signal measurement and positioning calculations, rather than requiring the surface to provide phase measurement functions. This removes the conflicting requirement for independent measurement functions on each reflecting element.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic reflecting surface is designed to provide only reflection functionality without additional measurement capabilities, making it universal and applicable to various positioning scenarios without requiring phase measurement hardware on each element.
2Measurement precision
If traditional non-line-of-sight positioning methods are used, then positioning can be achieved, but additional positioning systems and accessories are required, increasing cost and limiting implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device performs its own positioning by measuring signal characteristics from the electromagnetic reflecting surface, eliminating the need for additional positioning systems or accessories. The existing communication infrastructure is utilized for positioning purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic reflecting surface serves dual purposes: maintaining signal coverage in non-line-of-sight areas while simultaneously enabling positioning functionality, eliminating the need for separate positioning systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If electromagnetic reflecting surfaces are deployed without phase measurement functions, then cost is reduced and reflection efficiency is improved, but traditional positioning methods become inapplicable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the electromagnetic reflecting surface perform measurement functions, the patent inverts the approach by having the receiving device perform measurements on signals reflected from the surface. This makes positioning applicable to simple, cost-effective reflecting surfaces without phase measurement capabilities.
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 precise positioning of a receiving device using the inherent capabilities of electromagnetic reflecting surfaces, reducing the need for additional systems and costs, and improving positioning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, by the transmitting device, a pilot signal to an electromagnetic reflecting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning method includes: transmitting, by a transmitting device, a pilot signal to an electromagnetic reflecting surface; transmitting, by the transmitting device, control information to an electromagnetic reflecting surface control unit, where the control information includes temporal information and control direction information, the control information is used for instructing the electromagnetic reflecting surface control unit to orient, in target time periods, reflected beams formed by target pilot signals on the electromagnetic reflecting surface towards preset directions, and the preset directions are directions indicated by multiple pieces of preset direction information corresponding to respective ones of the target time periods; and determining, by the transmitting device or the receiving device, signal measurement results corresponding to the preset directions, and positioning, by the transmitting device or the receiving device, the receiving device according to the preset directions and the signal measurement results.