IRS-Assisted Positioning for Non-Line-of-Sight Terminal Location

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communications systems face challenges in achieving precise location services due to the limitations of existing technologies, particularly in the accuracy of positioning terminal devices, which is hindered by non-line-of-sight communication links and signal attenuation.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) in communication systems to create a line-of-sight communication link between devices, enhancing the accuracy of distance and angle measurements, thereby improving the precision of terminal device positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional positioning methods are used in non-line-of-sight conditions, then positioning can be performed, but positioning precision is not high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsignal attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) as an intermediary component to establish a line-of-sight communication link between the terminal device and the network. The IRS reflects signals to create a virtual line-of-sight path, thereby improving positioning precision without requiring direct line-of-sight between the terminal and network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes signal processing delay information and location information of the intelligent reflecting surface to calculate positioning results. By measuring the time delay of signals reflected by the IRS and combining it with the known IRS location, the system can accurately determine the terminal device's position even in non-line-of-sight conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If intelligent reflecting surface is introduced to improve positioning precision, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intelligent reflecting surface operates autonomously to reflect and direct signals without requiring complex active processing or control mechanisms. The IRS passively modifies the propagation environment, reducing the complexity burden on other system components while still achieving improved positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The IRS enables precise distance and angle measurements by ensuring a line-of-sight communication link, thus significantly improving the positioning precision of terminal devices.

Implementation Method 1

The integration of an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) in communication systems to create a line-of-sight communication link between devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4668912A1Communication method and communication apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4668912A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4668912A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4668912A1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

Provided are a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: a first device receiving first information, wherein the first information comprises position information of a first intelligent reflection plane and signal processing delay information; and the first device determining a positioning result of a terminal device according to the first information. The method in the embodiments of the present application is conducive to improving the positioning precision of a terminal device.