Terminal Positioning via Antenna Delay Processing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current indoor terminal device positioning systems, such as those using distributed antenna systems, face accuracy issues due to changes in surrounding environments and interference signals, leading to low positioning accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates antenna terminals with delay or frequency conversion processing functions, generating secondary signals that are used by the base station to determine the terminal device's location, independent of external environmental changes, by performing delay or frequency conversion on the signals sent by the terminal device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If distributed antenna system is used for indoor positioning, then positioning service can be provided, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to environmental changes and interference signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning service availabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces delay processing modules as intermediary components between antennas and the base station. These modules add predetermined delays to signals received from different antennas, creating a standardized signal processing path that is independent of environmental conditions. This intermediary processing enables accurate positioning by comparing delayed signals without being affected by channel variations or interference signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the time domain parameter of signals by introducing predetermined delays in the delay processing modules. By adjusting and standardizing the time delay parameters for signals from different antennas, the system creates a consistent reference framework that improves positioning accuracy despite environmental changes. The base station uses these controlled parameter changes to calculate precise terminal locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If channel information is pre-stored in base station for positioning, then positioning function is implemented, but accuracy deteriorates due to fixed channel information not adapting to environmental changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning function implementationVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring fixed delay values in the delay processing modules before signal reception. These predetermined delays are set in advance and remain constant, providing a stable reference framework. When signals are received, the base station simply compares the pre-delayed signals with stored channel information, eliminating the need for real-time channel estimation and maintaining accuracy despite environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If channel information constantly changes due to environmental factors, then system adapts to environment, but positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptationVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the time delay characteristic from the variable channel information and isolates it as a separate, controllable parameter. By using delay processing modules that introduce fixed, predetermined delays, the system separates the stable time delay parameter from the variable channel conditions. This extraction allows the system to maintain accurate positioning by relying on the extracted, stable delay parameters rather than the variable channel information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of terminal device positioning by using pre-configured delay or frequency offset values to generate secondary signals that are not affected by unsteady channel information, reducing costs and eliminating the need for manual processing.

Implementation Method 1

Each antenna terminal performs delay processing on the first signal to generate a second signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime delay:

Implementation Method 2

Each antenna terminal performs frequency conversion processing on the first signal to generate a second signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3185031B1Positioning method, apparatus and system for terminal device
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3185031B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3185031B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3185031B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention provides a terminal device positioning method and system, and an apparatus. A base station includes: a receiving module, configured to: receive at least one second signal, or receive a first signal and at least one second signal, where the first signal is sent by a terminal device to an antenna terminal, and the at least one second signal is generated after each antenna terminal in at least one antenna terminal performs delay processing or frequency conversion processing on the first signal; and a processing module, configured to obtain location information of the terminal device by means of calculation according to the at least one second signal or according to the first signal and the at least one second signal. Delay processing or frequency conversion processing is performed on the first signal of the terminal device, and calculation is performed according to delays and frequency offsets of multiple different second signals obtained by processing the first signal, so as to obtain a specific location of the terminal device. Therefore, terminal device positioning accuracy is effectively improved.