Processor-Based RF Sensing for Positioning and Environmental Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks, particularly in 5G, face limitations in sensing capabilities and precision in determining device positions, which hinders effective environmental reconstruction and safe maneuvering of drones or autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a processor and memory that enables a device to determine its position and identify transmitter devices through radio frequency signals, allowing for passive and opportunistic reconstruction of environmental features by leveraging radio frequency signals, including channel state information and geometric reconstruction techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radio frequency signals are used for environmental sensing, then measurement precision of environmental features is improved, but device complexity increases due to signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables communication devices to perform sensing functions using their existing radio frequency signal transmission and reception capabilities. By making communication devices multi-functional (both communication and sensing), the solution avoids adding dedicated sensing hardware, thus improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the communication device's own transmitted radio frequency signals to sense the environment. The device leverages its existing components (transmitter, receiver, processor) to perform sensing tasks, eliminating the need for separate sensing systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision
2Measurement precision
If multiple transmitter devices are used for positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but loss of information increases due to signal interference and processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing task into separate processing steps: signal reception, channel state estimation, and geometric reconstruction. By segmenting the processing functionally and spatially (using multiple transmitters at different locations), the system improves positioning precision while managing information overload through structured processing stages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces channel state information as an intermediary representation that mediates between raw radio frequency signals and final positioning results. This intermediary layer processes and filters signal data, reducing interference and information loss while maintaining positioning precision through structured data transformation
3Ease of operation
If passive sensing is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity decreases due to lack of active signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous passive sensing by continuously monitoring radio frequency signals from multiple transmitter devices. The sensing operation runs continuously in the background without requiring active participation from the sensed device, maintaining ease of operation while improving productivity through continuous data collection and real-time environmental reconstruction
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
Enhances the precision of device positioning and environmental sensing, enabling safe navigation of drones and autonomous vehicles by utilizing radio frequency signals from surrounding transmitter devices, such as gNB, for accurate geometric reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
determine a plurality of transmitter devices configured to transmit radio frequency signals in a region associated with the position of the first device
Implementation Method 2
for passively and/or opportunistically reconstructing features, e.g. main features, of an environment as e.g. characterized by the region associated with the position of the first device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, including at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions, the at least one memory and the instructions configured to, with the at least one processor, cause a first device to determine a position of the first device, and to determine a plurality of transmitter devices configured to transmit radio frequency signals in a region associated with the position of the first device.