Re-configurable Relaying Device Positioning via Spatial Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G New Radio (NR) positioning using Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) requires at least three time-synchronized transmitter nodes, which is not always feasible due to multipath propagation and environmental factors, reducing the accuracy and applicability of PRS-based positioning.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Re-configurable Relaying Devices (RRDs) that provide spatial filters to selectively relay or reflect incident signals, allowing multiple PRSs from the same transmitter node to be considered in positioning calculations, including those relayed through the RRD, thereby reducing the number of required transmitter nodes and enhancing positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If at least three time-synchronized transmitter nodes are required for PRS-based positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and applicability worsen due to strict synchronization requirements and LOS path constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Re-configurable Relaying Devices (RRDs) as intermediary nodes that receive PRS from transmitter nodes and re-transmit them to the terminal. These RRDs act as mediators that enable positioning without requiring direct LOS paths or strict time synchronization between all transmitter nodes and the terminal, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the positioning dimension by utilizing spatial filtering capabilities of RRDs. Instead of relying solely on temporal synchronization and direct LOS paths, the system incorporates spatial dimension through RRD beamforming and signal relay, allowing positioning to function in non-LOS scenarios while maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If only first received PRS along LOS path is considered, then positioning reliability is improved, but measurement precision worsens due to exclusion of useful reflected signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful reflected PRS signals into beneficial positioning data. By using RRDs with spatial filters, the system can distinguish and utilize reflected signals that would traditionally be discarded, transforming them from sources of error into useful measurement inputs for improved positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of signal selection from binary (LOS only vs. any path) to a spectrum based on signal characteristics and RRD spatial filtering. The system can selectively process PRS based on their propagation paths and characteristics, allowing reflected signals to be incorporated when they provide useful positioning information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RRDs are introduced to enable positioning with fewer transmitter nodes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional relaying components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs RRDs with multi-functionality, serving both as signal relaying devices and as positioning reference points. The RRDs can be configured to support multiple positioning scenarios (LOS and non-LOS) and can serve multiple terminals simultaneously, reducing the overall number of dedicated transmitter nodes needed while maintaining system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic re-configurability in RRDs, where the spatial filters and beamforming parameters can be adjusted in real-time based on the positioning scenario. This dynamic adaptation allows the same RRD infrastructure to handle various positioning requirements without requiring additional dedicated hardware for each scenario.
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 increases positioning accuracy and extends coverage by enabling the use of PRSs relayed through RRDs, allowing for more precise determination of terminal node positions with fewer transmitter nodes, even in scenarios with non-line-of-sight paths.
Implementation Method 1
An RRD can be implemented by an array of antennas that can reflect incident electromagnetic waves/signals
Implementation Method 2
The array of antennas can be semi-passive. Semi-passive can correspond to a scenario in which the antennas can impose a variable phase shift
Implementation Method 3
each gNB transmits a corresponding PRS and a terminal node, for example a user equipment UE, measures the time-of-flight for each PRS
Implementation Method 4
the RRD is re-configurable to provide spatial filters, each one of the spatial filters being associated with a respective spatial direction into which incident signals are selectively transmitted by the RRD
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a terminal node (310) configured to communicate with one or more network nodes using a re-configurable relaying device (330), RRD, is provided. The RRD is re-configurable to provide spatial filters, each one of the spatial filters being associated with a respective spatial direction into which incident signals are selectively transmitted by the RRD. The method comprises receiving (6002) a plurality of positioning reference signals, PRSs, transmitted by the one or more network nodes, and, upon a first PRS (363) and a second PRS (362) of the plurality of PRSs being received from a same network node (320) of the one or more network nodes, the first PRS (363) being received along a path which is relayed at the RRD (330): transmitting (6006) a measurement report message comprising positioning information for the terminal node (310) based on at least the first PRS (363) and second PRS (362).