Hybrid LOS/NLOS Detection Using GNSS and LiDAR Blockage Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network devices are unable to determine if they are in a line-of-sight (LOS) with other network devices, leading to potential conflicts in spectrum sharing and affecting quality of service, especially in metropolitan areas where obstructions block satellite visibility.
Innovation Solution
Devices utilize GNSS receivers to gather data over a predetermined time period, divide the sky view into sub-blocks, identify blocked areas, and use LiDAR databases to validate blockages, determining if a fixed station is in LOS by aligning blockage direction with geolocation data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional network devices use multiple antennas or signal processing techniques to improve GNSS performance, then GNSS receiver accuracy is improved, but the devices remain agnostic to surrounding environment and cannot determine LOS conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using sky view analysis as a mediator between GNSS signal reception and LOS determination. Instead of directly measuring LOS, the system analyzes the sky view pattern to infer blockage conditions, which then indicate LOS or non-LOS status. This intermediary method enables LOS detection without requiring additional dedicated sensors or complex antenna arrays.
2Device complexity
If network devices operate without LOS detection capability, then device complexity is reduced, but spectrum sharing conflicts and quality of service degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service by utilizing the device's existing GNSS receiver and processor to perform LOS detection. The device analyzes its own sky view pattern and GNSS signal characteristics to determine its LOS status, eliminating the need for external LOS detection systems or additional hardware. This self-service approach maintains low device complexity while improving reliability through informed spectrum sharing decisions.
3Measurement precision
If the sky view is divided into multiple sub-blocks for detailed analysis, then blockage detection precision is improved, but processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sky view into multiple sub-blocks, allowing the system to analyze different regions of the sky independently. This segmentation enables precise blockage detection by identifying specific areas where GNSS signals are blocked, while the modular approach can be optimized for processing efficiency by focusing computational resources on relevant sky regions rather than analyzing the entire sky view uniformly.
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
Accurately determines LOS status, optimizing output power to avoid interference, ensuring coexistence and cooperation between network devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver configured to receive GNSS data from a plurality of satellites
Implementation Method 2
retrieve a predetermined blockage data from a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) database based on the geolocation of the device
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, methods, and processes for hybrid line-of-sight (LOS)/non-line of sight (NLOS) detection are described herein. To facilitate co-existence and co-operation of a fixed network and a wireless network sharing a same frequency band without interference, a device in the wireless network can be configured to perform automatic frequency coordination (AFC). The device can accurately determine a geolocation of the device by utilizing global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. The device can also determine whether the fixed station is in the LOS by utilizing the GNSS data and the LiDAR data. The device can further correct the geolocation and improve an accuracy of the LOS/NLOS detection by using both: the GNSS data and the LiDAR data simultaneously. The device can further control an output power when the fixed station is in the LOS, thereby avoiding the interference.