Self-Identifying Relay Devices for Wireless Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless communication systems face challenges in localization and link establishment due to signal obstruction, poor penetration, and high propagation loss, especially in dense environments where GPS signals may not be available.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of self-identifying relay devices in wireless networks that augment transmitted signals with unique relay identification codes, allowing the base station to determine the relay device's identity and the user device's location by measuring time delays from multiple relays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large antenna arrays and complicated algorithms are used for localization and link establishment, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay devices as intermediaries between user devices and base stations. These relay devices perform signal processing and forwarding functions, enabling localization without requiring complex algorithms at the base station. The relay devices extract timing information from uplink signals and forward processed signals to the base station, thereby reducing the computational complexity at the base station while maintaining localization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the localization function into multiple segments: (1) relay devices perform initial signal processing and timing measurement, (2) relay devices forward processed signals to base stations, (3) base stations perform final localization calculation using simplified algorithms. This segmentation reduces the complexity burden on any single component while achieving accurate localization.
2Reliability
If large antenna arrays are deployed for signal processing, then signal quality and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Relay devices serve as intermediaries that perform signal processing functions, allowing base stations to use smaller antenna arrays. The relay devices receive signals from user devices, perform timing measurements, and forward processed signals to base stations. This reduces the need for large antenna arrays at base stations while maintaining signal reliability through the additional processing stage.
3Measurement precision
If complicated signal processing techniques are applied, then localization accuracy is improved, but processing time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay devices perform preliminary signal processing actions before signals reach the base station. Specifically, relay devices extract timing information from uplink signals, perform initial measurements, and prepare processed signals for forwarding. This preliminary action reduces the amount of processing required at the base station, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining localization accuracy.
4Reliability
If relay devices are introduced for signal forwarding, then coverage and reliability are improved, but device complexity and identification challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns unique identification codes to each relay device, analogous to different colors for identification. These identification codes are embedded in the signals forwarded by relay devices, enabling the base station to easily identify which relay device is transmitting which signal. This simple identification mechanism reduces the complexity of managing multiple relay devices while maintaining communication reliability.
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 enables effective localization of user devices, identifies signal obstructions, and provides an additional physical security layer, all while reducing processing delays and power consumption in signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
modulating an incoming signal received from a user device into a modulated signal that incorporates a relay identification code that is unique to the relay device
Implementation Method 2
a location of a user device can also be determined by measuring time delays from multiple relay devices
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication network includes a plurality of relay devices and a base station device, where each relay device adds a relay identification code into a modulated signal for interpretation by the base station device. The base station device can determine which relay devices can communicate with a user device without obstruction. Further, the base station can also determine the location of the user device, which is significant for localization in outdoor environments, and even more so in indoor environments where GPS signals may not be available.