Wireless Device Orientation via RF Antenna Coordinates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a consensus on reliable and repeatable methods for determining the ultra-fine precision orientation of wireless devices in 3GPP networks, relying on specialized hardware and sensor access, which is not always feasible, especially when devices are visually obscured.
Innovation Solution
The method employs relative positioning and processing of orthogonal reference signals from multiple antennas in 3GPP mobile terminals to estimate the spatial coordinates and orientation of wireless devices, using techniques like time of arrival analysis and machine learning to generate a detailed fingerprint of antenna locations, enabling ultra-high precision tracking without internal sensor access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If IMU sensors and optical analysis are used to determine orientation, then orientation estimation is achieved, but specialized hardware access and sensor permissions are required which are not always feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor-based orientation determination (IMU, optical cameras) with a radio-frequency-based electromagnetic field measurement system. The network node uses RF signals transmitted through the mobile device's antennas to infer orientation through signal propagation characteristics, eliminating the need for specialized sensors and permissions on the device side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the radio-frequency electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the network node and the mobile device. Instead of directly accessing device sensors, the system uses RF signal interactions with the device's antenna structure as a mediator to indirectly determine orientation, bypassing the need for direct sensor access or specialized hardware.
2Measurement precision
If visual systems are used for orientation determination, then orientation can be estimated, but the system fails when the device is visually obscured by body or clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical vision-based orientation determination with radio-frequency electromagnetic field-based measurement. RF waves can penetrate through materials that block visible light, including human body and clothing, enabling orientation determination regardless of visual obscuration conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical wavelength (visible light) to radio-frequency wavelength (electromagnetic field). This parameter change allows the measurement system to operate effectively through materials that are opaque to visible light, such as fabric and human body tissues.
3Measurement precision
If existing orientation technologies are used, then orientation estimation is possible, but millimeter-level precision is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network node continuously measures RF signal characteristics from the mobile device, processes this information to determine orientation, and can track changes over time. This feedback loop enables high-precision tracking by accumulating and analyzing multiple measurements to achieve millimeter-level accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the mobile device's antenna structure and signal propagation properties before actual orientation measurement. By pre-establishing reference data about the device's electromagnetic characteristics, the system can achieve higher precision in subsequent orientation determinations through comparative analysis.
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
This approach allows for consistent and accurate determination of wireless device orientation with millimeter-level precision, applicable to various device models and types, providing full 6D positioning without reliance on internal sensors, and is compatible with all 3GPP devices.
Implementation Method 1
Some embodiments employ a methodology of high precision estimation of relative locations which may have a separation measured in millimeters to centimeters. Some embodiments employ ultra-high precision relative position estimates of a transmission sources
Data Source
AI summary
A method and network node for determination of relative orientation of a wireless device (WD) with ultra-fine precision are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method in a network node includes determining spatial coordinates of each antenna of a plurality of antennas of the WD. The method also includes determining the relative orientation of the WD based at least in part on the determined spatial coordinates of the plurality of antennas and based at least in part on a model of relative locations of the plurality of antennas of the WD. According to another aspect, a method in a WD includes changing parameters of operation of the WD to disable a determination of relative orientation of the WD by the network node.