Repeater-Aware Positioning for Non-Line-of-Sight Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

The introduction of a network-controlled repeater in a path between a network device and a terminal device adversely affects the positioning accuracy of the terminal device, as it disrupts the assumed line of sight path between them.

Innovation Solution

Transmitting information of the repeater device, including static and dynamic information, from a network device to a positioning device to improve positioning accuracy, such as recalculating round trip times and angles based on repeater location and usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a network-controlled repeater is introduced to extend coverage and improve signal reception, then coverage area and signal quality are improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to disruption of the assumed line of sight path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a positioning device as an intermediary component that receives information about the repeater from the network device and uses this information to calculate corrected positioning data. The positioning device acts as a mediator between the network device and terminal device, resolving the positioning accuracy issue caused by the repeater without requiring changes to the existing repeater functionality or coverage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the positioning function into a separate positioning device that operates independently from the communication function. By separating the positioning calculation process from the communication path, the system can account for repeater interference and calculate accurate positioning information while maintaining the repeater's coverage extension capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If repeater information is transmitted to the positioning device to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but network signaling overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both positioning purposes and receiving general network information. By creating a universal positioning device that can handle multiple types of information, the patent reduces the need for dedicated positioning infrastructure and minimizes overall system complexity while still achieving improved positioning accuracy through repeater information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250380238A1Method, device and computer storage medium of communication

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 NEC CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices and computer readable media of communication. A network device determines information of a repeater device and an indication indicating whether the repeater device is used for communication between the network device and a terminal device, and transmits the information of the repeater device and the indication to a positioning device for positioning the terminal device. In this way, positioning accuracy may be improved.