NLOS Positioning Using Multi-Reflection Angular Gap Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of devices in non-line of sight (NLOS) conditions, particularly in advanced communication systems like 6G, which require precise localization for applications such as autonomous driving and IoT devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for wireless communication that utilizes reflections of signals from devices with known positions to determine the position of a first device, employing angular gaps for signal reflection and reception, involving transceivers, processors, and memory for executing instructions to calculate the device's position based on these reflections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional direct signal transmission methods are used for positioning, then the system is simple and easy to implement, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in NLOS conditions

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate reflecting surfaces (buildings, walls, or deployed reflectors) as mediators to bounce signals around obstacles. Instead of requiring direct line-of-sight between devices, the signal travels via reflected paths through these intermediate surfaces, enabling positioning in NLOS conditions while maintaining acceptable accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from 2D horizontal positioning to 3D spatial positioning by incorporating vertical angle measurements and elevation data from reflected signals. This dimensional expansion allows the system to resolve positions even when direct horizontal paths are blocked, utilizing the third dimension to overcome obstacles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple reflection paths are utilized for positioning, then positioning accuracy in NLOS conditions improves, but signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex multipath signal into distinct reflection components, each associated with a specific reflecting surface or path. By separating and individually processing these segmented signal components, the system can accurately determine position without being overwhelmed by the complexity of analyzing all reflections simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where devices exchange information about detected reflecting surfaces and measured signal characteristics. This feedback loop allows collaborative refinement of position estimates, with each device contributing data that helps resolve the complexity of multipath analysis through iterative improvement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If angular gap measurements are employed for signal reflection, then positioning precision in NLOS conditions improves, but measurement and calculation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidangular measurement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical angle measurement systems with signal processing-based angular estimation. Instead of physically measuring angles with mechanical instruments, the system calculates angular gaps by analyzing the phase and time characteristics of reflected signals, significantly reducing measurement difficulty while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate positioning in NLOS conditions by leveraging signal reflections, enhancing the precision and reliability of location determination for devices in complex communication environments.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting, to a first node, a first signal; and receiving, from a second node, a second signal which is obtained based on reflections of the first signal from the first node, the second node, and a third node having a known position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a position of the first device may be obtained based on the first signal and the second signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime delay measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP4715415A1NLOS-based positioning method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4715415A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4715415A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4715415A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a method by which a first device performs wireless communication and an apparatus supporting same. The first device can transmit a first signal to a first node, and the first device can receive, from a second node, a second signal acquired on the basis of reflection of the first signal from the first node, the second node, and a third node having the position known. For example, the first signal reflected from the first node on the basis of a first angle gap can be reflected from the third node and then reflected from the second node on the basis of a second angle gap, and the position of the first device can be acquired on the basis of the first signal and the second signal.