AI/ML Path Measurement Purpose Signaling for NLOS Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional positioning techniques, such as GPS and triangulation based on wireless signal strengths, struggle to provide accurate device location in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environments, leading to diminished accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A network node sends first path measurement information along with additional path measurement information and an indication of its purpose, such as a legacy or multi-hypotheses distribution, to a location management function (LMF) to enhance location determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If additional path measurement information is sent without purpose indication, then the quantity of measurement data increases, but the measurement precision and location accuracy deteriorate due to ambiguous information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantity of path measurement informationVSAvoidlocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The path measurement information is segmented into distinct types (first path measurement information and additional path measurement information), each with specific purposes. The additional path measurement information is further segmented by purpose indicators (legacy purpose, second physical path, multi-hypotheses distribution), allowing the LMF to process different segments appropriately for accurate location determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A purpose indication message acts as an intermediary between the network node and LMF, bridging the gap between raw measurement data and meaningful location calculation. This intermediary provides context that enables the LMF to correctly interpret and utilize the additional path measurement information, transforming ambiguous data into precise location information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If conventional positioning techniques are used in NLOS environments, then the device can determine its location using standard methods, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to signal multipathing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of location determinationVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to NLOS conditions by introducing multiple hypotheses about signal paths (direct path, reflected path, diffracted path). The LMF can select or combine hypotheses based on the purpose indication and measurement quality, making the positioning system flexible and accurate in varying environmental conditions rather than relying on a single static method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameters of path measurement information by adding purpose indications and distinguishing between different path types. This parameter enrichment transforms standard measurement data into context-aware information that can be processed with appropriate algorithms for NLOS environments, significantly improving accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If all path measurement information is treated uniformly, then the processing complexity is reduced, but the location accuracy deteriorates due to inability to distinguish different path purposes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing complexityVSAvoidlocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different path measurement information is assigned different local qualities through purpose indications. First path measurement information is marked for standard processing, while additional path measurement information is categorized into specific purposes (legacy, second physical path, multi-hypotheses distribution). This local differentiation enables the LMF to apply appropriate processing methods to each type, maximizing location accuracy without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260025780A1Ai/ML-based device positioning with signaling and indication of additional path measurement purpose

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A network entity is configured to receive, from a network node, first path measurement information for a first path, receive, from the network node, additional path measurement information for one or more additional paths, receive, from the network node, an indication of a purpose of the additional path measurement information, and determine a location of the network node based on the first path measurement information, the additional path measurement information, and the purpose of the additional path measurement information.