Pedestrian UE Ranging for Accurate V2X Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in the context of 5G, face challenges in accurately localizing vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as pedestrians due to limited external protection and the need for precise positioning in vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication for enhanced safety in autonomous driving applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing ranging-assisted pedestrian localization techniques using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technologies, where vehicles and roadside units (RSUs) transmit and measure RF signals to determine the position of pedestrian UE (PUE) devices, enhancing positioning accuracy through beamforming and multi-carrier communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Wi-Fi triangulation is used for localization, then indoor positioning capability is provided, but accuracy deteriorates to within 3-5 meters due to signal reflection and multipath effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Time of Flight (ToF) measurements as an intermediary mechanism to resolve the ambiguity caused by multipath effects. By measuring the actual propagation time of signals and comparing it against expected ToF values, the system can identify and eliminate reflected signal paths, thereby achieving sub-3-meter localization accuracy indoors without being degraded by signal reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional Wi-Fi triangulation parameters (signal strength-based positioning) to Time of Flight parameters (propagation time-based positioning). This parameter change enables the system to achieve higher precision by measuring the actual time taken for signals to travel between access points and the mobile device, making the localization immune to multipath interference that plagues traditional methods.
2Measurement precision
If GPS is used for localization, then outdoor positioning is provided, but accuracy deteriorates and the system becomes unreliable in urban canyons and indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal localization system that functions across multiple environments (indoor, outdoor, urban canyons) by implementing ToF-based positioning that works with standard Wi-Fi infrastructure. The system adapts to different environments by using the same core ToF measurement principle, making it universally applicable regardless of whether GPS signals are available or not, thereby achieving both high precision and environmental adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional Wi-Fi triangulation is used, then positioning functionality is provided, but power consumption increases due to continuous scanning and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary ToF calculations and position estimations before the user actually requests location services. By pre-computing position data based on ToF measurements from Wi-Fi access points, the system reduces the need for continuous scanning and real-time processing when the positioning function is activated, thereby maintaining full positioning functionality while significantly reducing power consumption during actual use.
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
Improves the localization accuracy of VRUs by leveraging 5G's high data rates and reduced latency, enabling safer V2P communications and reducing the risk of collisions by providing precise positioning data to vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The system utilizes existing infrastructure including Wi-Fi access points and mobile devices equipped with clocks and accelerometers to measure time of flight and make sub-3-meter localization estimates
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for wireless communication. In an aspect, a method of wireless communication performed by a first pedestrian user equipment (PUE) includes performing a ranging operation to a set of UEs, the set including at least a second PUE, and providing ranging data to a third entity, the third entity comprising a vehicle user equipment (VUE) or a road-side unit (RSU). The set of UEs may be randomly selected or selected using a selection algorithm. The set of UEs may be selected by the PUE or by the third entity. The ranging data may include the location of the first PUE, and may include a report on the battery status of the first PUE. The third entity may use the ranging data to update estimated positions of the first PUE and the set of UEs.