Position Estimate Using Angle of Departure Reference Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current positioning technologies for wireless communication devices, such as OTDOA in 3GPP cellular networks, face challenges in achieving high accuracy and reliability due to limitations in angle of arrival measurements and multi-path propagation, leading to potential errors in position estimation.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transmitting reference signals with an angle of departure (AoD) associated with an identifier, allowing access nodes to determine the AoD and improve position estimation by considering the actual angle of departure, which enhances the accuracy and reliability of position determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional OTDOA positioning is used, then positioning can be achieved in cellular networks, but accuracy and reliability are limited due to multi-path propagation and angle of arrival measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition estimation accuracyVSAvoidposition determination reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional positioning approach by having the UE transmit reference signals and using AoD measurements at access nodes instead of the conventional UE receiving PRS and performing TDOA measurements. This inversion allows the network to measure the actual angle of departure, providing more accurate geometric information for position estimation and reducing errors from multi-path propagation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from TDOA (time difference of arrival) to AoD (angle of departure). By using angular measurements from multiple access nodes combined with the known positions of these nodes, the system achieves more accurate position estimation. The AoD parameter provides direct geometric information about the UE's location relative to the access nodes, improving both accuracy and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If angle of arrival measurements are used for positioning, then position estimation can be performed, but measurement errors from multi-path propagation reduce precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle measurement precisionVSAvoidmulti-path propagation errors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of multi-path propagation into a beneficial feature by using AoD measurements. The AoD measurement captures the actual direction of the signal path, including any reflections or deviations caused by multi-path propagation. By using this information directly in the position estimation algorithm, the system can compensate for the effects of multi-path propagation rather than being misled by traditional AoA measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20240061065A1Position estimate based on angle of departure

Publication Date: 2024.02.22 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Examples provide a method of operating a wireless communication device (UE) comprising transmitting, on a radio channel, a reference signal using an angle of departure (AoD) associated with an identifier of the reference signal, wherein the transmitted reference signal is indicative of the identifier of the reference signal. According to further aspects, a method of operating an access node, a method of operating a location server node, a wireless communication device, an access node and a location server node are provided.