Position Estimation Device Using RF Path Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor positioning systems face challenges in accurately estimating the position of communication devices within buildings due to the inability of satellite-based systems like GPS to penetrate concrete walls, and existing methods such as WLAN infrastructure require elaborate mapping or Line-of-Sight conditions, which are not always available.
Innovation Solution
A position estimation device that uses data obtaining circuitry to collect path data of RF signals, including path length, angle of departure, and angle of arrival information, processed by processing circuitry to determine the position of an initiator communication device, even in non-Line-of-Sight scenarios, utilizing multiple properties of RF signals and phased array antennas to enhance positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite-based positioning systems like GPS are used, then positioning can be achieved in outdoor scenarios, but they cannot penetrate concrete walls and thus fail in indoor scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RF signals as an intermediary carrier for positioning information. Instead of relying on satellite signals that cannot penetrate walls, the system uses locally generated RF signals that can propagate through indoor environments, with scatterers acting as intermediaries to reflect signals around obstacles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical satellite-based positioning system with an electromagnetic RF-based system. This substitution allows the positioning functionality to work in indoor environments where satellite signals are blocked, as RF signals can penetrate and reflect off building structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN infrastructure with RSSI fingerprinting is used for indoor positioning, then indoor positioning becomes possible, but it requires elaborate mapping and a priori knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having the initiator communication device actively probe the environment and collect path data before positioning calculation. The system gathers path length, AoD, and AoA information in advance, eliminating the need for pre-established maps or databases
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is self-service in that the initiator device autonomously collects all necessary path data and calculates its own position without requiring external mapping infrastructure or database lookups. The device serves itself by generating and processing the positioning information locally
3Measurement precision
If Line-of-Sight conditions are required for accurate positioning, then positioning accuracy can be maintained, but positioning fails in non-Line-of-Sight scenarios common in indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of signal reflections and non-Line-of-Sight propagation into a benefit. Instead of treating reflected paths as interference to be rejected, the system actively utilizes multiple reflected paths with their associated AoD and AoA information to calculate position, turning the obstacle of wall reflections into a useful positioning resource
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds angular dimensions (AoD and AoA) to the traditional one-dimensional path length measurement. By incorporating two angular measurements per path, the system creates a multi-dimensional positioning solution that can resolve positions in non-Line-of-Sight scenarios where traditional methods fail
4Ease of operation
If traditional positioning methods are used, then implementation is straightforward, but they require a global angular reference which is difficult to establish in indoor scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the initiator device measure AoD (angle of departure) in addition to AoA (angle of arrival). This reciprocal measurement approach eliminates the need for a pre-established global angular reference, as the reference frame is established through the mutual measurements between initiator and responder devices
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
Enables accurate position estimation of communication devices in both Line-of-Sight and non-Line-of-Sight conditions without the need for a global angular reference, providing location information and additional environmental data for applications like beamforming and floorplan reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
path data of two or more paths of RF signals transmitted by a responder communication, wherein RF signals of at least one path are reflected at a scatterer
Data Source
AI summary
A position estimation device for estimating the position of an initiator communication device comprises data obtaining circuitry configured to obtain path data of two or more paths of RF signals transmitted by a responder communication device, wherein RF signals of at least one path are reflected at a scatterer, said path data comprising, per path of an RF signal: path length information indicating the length of the propagation path of an RF signal from the responder communication device via a scatterer to the initiator communication device, angle of departure information indicating the angle of departure of an RF signal from the responder communication device, and angle of arrival information indicating the angle of arrival of an RF signal at the initiator communication device. The device further comprises processing circuitry configured to determine the position of the initiator communication device on the basis of the obtained path data.