Reflection-Based Multipath Position Estimation With Virtual Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving highly accurate positioning due to the complexity of multipath propagation, which affects the reliability and precision of positioning reference signals (PRS) in 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the locations of multiple reflectors based on measurement information from sensing operations and configuring PRS paths that account for reflections off these reflectors to derive a more accurate position estimate of user equipment (UE) by considering multiple paths between the wireless node and the UE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods are used, then the positioning process is simple, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to multipath propagation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning problem by identifying and separating different signal paths (direct path vs. reflected paths) through sensing operations. By determining reflector locations and characterizing multipath components, the system divides the complex positioning task into manageable parts: direct path estimation and reflected path correction, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reflectors as intermediary objects that facilitate positioning. By having wireless nodes sense reflector locations and use these reflectors to create virtual anchors, the system transforms the complex multipath problem into a manageable geometry problem. The reflectors serve as mediators between the wireless node and the UE, enabling accurate position estimation through their known locations and the geometry of signal reflections
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensing operations are performed to determine reflector locations, then positioning accuracy improves, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having wireless nodes perform sensing operations to determine reflector locations before the actual positioning measurement. The reflector locations are pre-characterized and stored as virtual anchors, so that when positioning is needed, the system can immediately use these pre-determined locations without performing time-consuming sensing operations again, thus reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensing operations to refine positioning. The wireless nodes measure and report reflector locations, which are then used to characterize multipath components and adjust positioning calculations. This feedback loop allows the system to improve accuracy over time while efficiently reusing the sensing results for multiple positioning operations
3Reliability
If PRS configuration accounts for multiple reflection paths, then positioning reliability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by characterizing multipath components specific to each reflector location and signal path. Rather than using a uniform complex model for all paths, the system determines local characteristics (reflection coefficients, path lengths, angles) for each specific reflector-UE pair, simplifying the overall configuration while improving reliability through path-specific accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters dynamically based on the detected multipath environment. By measuring signal characteristics and determining reflector locations, the system adjusts PRS configuration parameters (such as virtual anchor positions and path loss models) to match the actual propagation conditions. This adaptive parameter adjustment improves reliability without requiring overly complex fixed configurations
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 enhances the accuracy of UE positioning by leveraging reflections for improved PRS configurations, addressing the complexity of multipath propagation and enhancing the precision of location estimation in 5G networks.
Implementation Method 1
a first path between the wireless node and the UE associated with reflection off of the first reflector, a second path between the wireless node and the UE associated with reflection off of the second reflector
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for wireless communication. In an aspect, a position estimation entity (e.g., UE, gNB, server, etc.) determines locations of multiple reflectors (e.g., buildings, etc.) based upon sensing operations by a wireless node (e.g., gNB, UE, etc.). The position estimation entity determines PRS configuration associated with multiple paths from the wireless node to a UE, some of the paths including reflections off of the multiple reflectors. The wireless node transmits and/or measures PRS(s) to and/or from the UE in accordance with the PRS configuration. The position estimation entity receives measurement information associated with the communication of the one or more PRSs. The position estimation entity derives a position estimate of the UE.