M×N Antenna Array Location Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the location of a mobile terminal are hindered by time delay, noise interference, and non-line of sight (NLOS) issues, particularly when the mobile terminal is at the edge of a cell or in urban environments, leading to inaccurate location determination.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver to obtain M×N range measurements, which are then processed using a least squares method to quickly and accurately estimate the mobile terminal's location, minimizing NLOS effects and reducing estimation delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional single-antenna TOA method is used, then the system complexity is low, but the location estimation accuracy deteriorates due to time delay, noise interference, and NLOS issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single measurement into multiple measurements by using M transmitting antennas and N receiving antennas, creating M×N independent range measurements from a single signal transmission. This segmentation allows the system to obtain multiple observations of the same propagation path, enabling statistical processing to eliminate NLOS errors and reduce noise impact, thereby improving location estimation accuracy without requiring multiple signal exchanges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional measurement (one range measurement per signal exchange) to a multi-dimensional measurement space by introducing multiple transmitting and receiving antennas. This creates an M×N measurement matrix that provides redundant information about the same propagation path, enabling the system to resolve ambiguities caused by NLOS and noise through mathematical processing of the expanded measurement dimension
2Reliability
If multiple packets are exchanged to improve accuracy, then the location estimation reliability improves, but the estimation delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by obtaining all M×N range measurements from a single signal transmission before any location estimation processing begins. By capturing all necessary measurements in advance during one signal exchange, the system eliminates the need for multiple sequential packet exchanges, thereby reducing estimation delay while maintaining reliability through the redundant measurements obtained from multiple antenna paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple measurement opportunities into a single signal transmission event by utilizing all M transmitting antennas and N receiving antennas simultaneously. This consolidation allows the system to gather M×N range measurements in one go, combining the reliability benefits of multiple measurements with the time efficiency of a single transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and delay
3Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are deployed, then the NLOS effects are reduced and accuracy improves, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the same M transmitting antennas and N receiving antennas for both communication and location estimation purposes. The antenna array serves dual functions: transmitting/receiving data packets and providing multiple measurement paths for range estimation. This universal use of the antenna system improves location accuracy through NLOS mitigation without requiring separate dedicated antennas for positioning, thereby controlling device complexity
4Measurement precision
If M×N range measurements are processed using least squares method, then the location estimation accuracy improves, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the least squares method to process the M×N range measurements, allowing the measurement system to self-correct errors through mathematical optimization. The least squares processing automatically minimizes the impact of NLOS and noise by finding the optimal location estimate that best fits all M×N measurements, enabling the system to achieve high accuracy through algorithmic self-service rather than requiring complex hardware corrections
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 enables faster and more reliable location estimation with reduced errors, improving accuracy and reliability, especially in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
A signal or electromagnetic wave is sent in the form of packets from a transmitter to a mobile terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are provided for estimating the location of a mobile radio-communication terminal, the mobile terminal having a plurality of antennas, and being in communication range of at least one transmitter having a plurality of antennas, the method comprising; measuring the time of arrival of a signal transmitted from the M antennas of the at least one transmitter at each of the N antennas of the mobile terminal to determine M×N range measurements corresponding to the M×N transmission paths of said signal between the M antennas of the transmitter and the N antennas of the mobile terminal; and estimating the location of the mobile terminal based on the M×N range measurements. The location of the mobile terminal may be estimated by applying a least squares method.