Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces for Precise 5G UE Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning techniques in 5G NR networks, particularly in GNSS-challenged environments like indoor spaces, face limitations in achieving accurate centimeter-level positioning due to reliance on traditional RAT-dependent methods which struggle with multipath resolvability and environmental non-stationarity.
Innovation Solution
The use of Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRSs) or reconfigurable reflecting surfaces to aid UE positioning by adjusting their elements for positioning reference signal transmissions, allowing for enhanced measurement capabilities and precise positioning calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional RAT-dependent positioning methods are used in GNSS-challenged environments, then positioning can be performed without additional infrastructure, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to multipath resolvability issues and environmental non-stationarity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS) as an intermediary component between the base station and user equipment. The IRS consists of multiple reflective elements that can be independently controlled to manipulate signal reflections, creating additional measurement paths (reflected paths) that complement direct line-of-sight paths. This intermediary structure enables more reliable positioning in GNSS-challenged environments by providing controllable multipath components that improve measurement precision without requiring changes to traditional positioning protocols.
2Measurement precision
If reconfigurable reflecting surfaces with controllable elements are deployed to enhance positioning, then positioning accuracy and reliability improve, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Intelligent Reflecting Surface is segmented into multiple independently controllable reflective elements arranged in a grid pattern. Each element can be individually configured to control signal reflection characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to achieve precise positioning by manipulating specific reflection paths while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and modular, making deployment more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters (impedance, phase shift) of individual reflective elements in the IRS to control signal reflections. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system can create different reflected signal paths and characteristics without physically reconfiguring the structure, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining infrastructure simplicity.
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 significantly improves positioning accuracy, reliability, and robustness by leveraging controllable reflecting surfaces, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods and providing precise UE location information even in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection path that reflects off the reconfigurable reflecting surface
Data Source
AI summary
UE positioning is added by use of a reconfigurable reflecting surface (e.g., IRS). The IRS is configured to adjust elements of the surface. The configuration may include signal switching on or off, signal phase, group delay, or signal amplitude. Positioning reference signal transmissions are performed that have line of sight to the UE and that reflect off the IRS. The UE takes measurements for the transmissions and can determine measurement(s) of angle of arrival or time of arrival or reference signal received power, and/or determine a channel estimation. Multiple methods are proposed to provide UE positioning.