RF Beamforming for LOS Indoor Positioning Under NLOS Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
RF-based indoor positioning is hindered by non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation, making it difficult to differentiate between LOS and NLOS components and resulting in inaccurate positioning due to the use of beamforming for maximizing channel capacity rather than detecting the LOS path.
Innovation Solution
Employ beamforming to minimize time of arrival and suppress NLOS components, using beamforming algorithms to select sectors that maximize channel capacity for data communication while optimizing beam alignment for positioning by selecting sectors that minimize time of arrival and angular information, enabling accurate LOS path detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If beamforming is used to maximize channel capacity, then data communication performance is improved, but LOS path detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming process into two distinct phases: a training phase where multiple beams are swept to identify LOS components, and a data communication phase where beamforming maximizes channel capacity. This segmentation allows LOS detection and data communication to have separate optimization goals without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary LOS detection during the training phase before data communication begins. By identifying LOS components and determining initial beam directions in advance, the system establishes accurate positioning information before switching to capacity-maximizing beamforming for data transmission.
2Productivity
If conventional beamforming is used to maximize channel capacity, then communication efficiency is improved, but NLOS components are not suppressed and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between different beamforming strategies: during the training phase, beamforming is optimized for LOS detection and NLOS suppression; during the data communication phase, beamforming is optimized for channel capacity. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve both accurate positioning and efficient communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the training phase to inform the data communication phase. The LOS component identification and initial beam direction determination from training provide feedback that guides subsequent beamforming operations, ensuring that positioning accuracy is maintained while communication efficiency is optimized.
3Speed
If beamforming sectors are selected to maximize channel capacity, then data transmission rate is improved, but sector angular information becomes inaccurate for positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments angular information acquisition into the training phase, where sector angular information is measured and stored for positioning purposes. This segmentation ensures that angular measurements are taken when beamforming is optimized for detection rather than capacity, preserving accuracy while enabling high-speed data transmission later.
Data Source
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AI summary
Communication devices and corresponding methods for RF-based communication and position determination are disclosed. An initiator communication device (1) comprises an antenna unit (10) configured to transmit and receive RF signals, a beamforming unit (11) configured to perform beamforming and to control the antenna unit to transmit and/or receive RF signals using one or more selected beams, a control unit (12) configured to control the beamforming unit (11) in a training phase to perform beamforming for determining an initiator line of sight (LOS), beam to a responder communication device (2), and a processing unit (13) configured to determine the initiator LOS beam and/orinitiator angular information of the initiator LOS beamand to determine the position of said communication device using the determined initiator LOS beam and/or initiator angular information in a measurement phase.