Reflection-Assisted Wireless Sensing for Accurate Target Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G NR, face challenges in improving location accuracy and efficiency of wireless sensing due to limitations in utilizing first and second-order reflections for target object detection.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize first and second-order reflected sensing signals to calculate the location of a target object by transmitting sensing signals to a target object and a reflective object, receiving reflected signals, and applying a sensing signal configuration to determine the object's location using a monostatic or bistatic configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only first-order reflected sensing signals are used for sensing, then the system complexity is low, but the location accuracy and sensing efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing process by separately identifying and processing first-order reflected sensing signals (direct reflection from target object) and second-order reflected sensing signals (reflection via intermediate reflective object). This segmentation allows the system to utilize multiple signal paths independently, improving location accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured signal handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect target objects using first-order reflections, identify reflective objects using second-order reflections, and calculate locations through multiple geometric configurations (monostatic, bistatic). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the additional complexity serve multiple purposes simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If second-order reflected sensing signals are utilized for sensing, then the location accuracy improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reflective object as a mediator in the second-order reflection path. This intermediary serves as a known reference point that facilitates the detection and measurement process. By using the reflective object as an intermediary, the system can triangulate positions more accurately while the known characteristics of the intermediary simplify the detection mathematics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex direct measurement mechanisms with signal-based indirect measurement. Instead of requiring direct physical contact or line-of-sight measurement between transmitter and target, the system uses reflected sensing signals that bounce off reflective objects, substituting mechanical measurement constraints with electromagnetic signal propagation that can be mathematically resolved.
3Productivity
If multiple reflected sensing signals are processed simultaneously, then the sensing efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by transmitting sensing signals in structured sequences and using time-based separation to identify different reflection paths. The system transmits signals periodically and processes returns based on time-of-flight characteristics, allowing simultaneous handling of multiple reflections through temporal segmentation rather than requiring complex parallel processing of all signals at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and classification of sensing signals before full processing. By pre-identifying which signals are first-order reflections and which are second-order reflections based on initial signal characteristics and timing, the system reduces the complexity of subsequent detailed processing while maintaining high sensing efficiency through parallel treatment of classified signal groups.
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 location accuracy and efficiency in wireless sensing by leveraging first and second-order reflections, enabling precise target object positioning through improved signal reflection techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective object may reflect at least one of the set of sensing signals to the target object based on the sensing signal configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A first wireless device may output a sensing signal configuration for performing sensing on a first reflected sensing signal from the first wireless device via a target object and a second reflected sensing signal from a reflective object via the target object based on a set of sensing signals. The first wireless device may transmit the set of sensing signals to the target object and the reflective object. The reflective object may reflect at least one of the set of sensing signals to the target object based on the sensing signal configuration. The first reflected sensing signal and the second reflected sensing signal may be received by the first wireless device in a monostatic configuration or by a second wireless device in a bi-static configuration. The receiving device may calculate a location of the target object based on the sensing signal configuration.