RIS Aided NTN UE Positioning via Signal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in providing consistent positioning services for non-terrestrial network (NTN) user equipment (UE) due to discontinuous coverage and limited satellite visibility, which affects positioning accuracy and increases power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) to enhance NTN UE positioning by acting as additional anchors, extending coverage area, and reducing discontinuous coverage, using RISs to reflect positioning reference signals and provide additional reference points for network devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite-based positioning is used for NTN UE, then positioning service is provided, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to discontinuous coverage and limited satellite visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RIS (reconfigurable intelligent surface) as an intermediary device between the satellite and the UE. The RIS reflects and redirects satellite signals to provide additional positioning reference points, enabling the UE to obtain positioning information from multiple RISs in addition to satellites. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining service consistency through RIS reflection while improving accuracy through multiple reference points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the positioning dimension by incorporating RIS elements into the positioning architecture. Instead of relying solely on satellite-based vertical positioning, the RIS provides horizontal reference points, creating a three-dimensional positioning framework that combines satellite and RIS reference points for enhanced accuracy and continuous coverage.
2Reliability
If satellite-based positioning is used for NTN UE, then positioning service is provided, but power consumption increases due to discontinuous coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The RIS acts as a signal relay that reflects satellite positioning signals to areas with discontinuous satellite coverage. By using RIS as an intermediary, the UE can receive positioning signals through RIS reflection rather than requiring direct satellite visibility, thereby maintaining service consistency while reducing the energy needed for signal acquisition and tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The RIS is pre-configured with reflection parameters and positioning information before the UE needs service. This preliminary setup allows the UE to quickly acquire positioning signals through RIS without performing extensive signal search and acquisition procedures, significantly reducing power consumption during discontinuous coverage periods.
3Measurement precision
If RIS is introduced to enhance positioning accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RIS is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a signal reflection device for communication coverage enhancement and simultaneously acts as a positioning reference point. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated positioning infrastructure, thereby improving accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RIS elements that replicate and redirect existing satellite signals rather than requiring entirely new signal generation infrastructure. By copying and reflecting existing satellite positioning signals, the system achieves improved accuracy without the complexity of deploying new active transmitting infrastructure for each RIS location.
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 solution ensures a consistent positioning service experience for NTN UE, improving accuracy and reducing power consumption by extending coverage and providing additional reference points for positioning, especially in scenarios with limited satellite visibility.
Implementation Method 1
reflecting, by the RIS, the positioning reference signal to produce a reflection positioning reference signal radiated towards a network device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, apparatuses, processes, and computer-readable media for wireless communications. For example, an example of a process may include a RIS that can receive, from a satellite, a positioning reference signal. The RIS can further reflect the positioning reference signal to produce a reflection positioning reference signal radiated towards a network device for positioning of the network device.