UE-Assisted Backscatter Positioning for Passive RFID Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in the context of 5G, face challenges in achieving highly accurate positioning due to limitations in reference signal processing and technology, especially when operating in high-density deployments and using higher frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing user equipment (UE) assisted backscatter-based positioning, where a UE transmits a positioning reference signal to an RFID device, enabling it to backscatter a signal, which is then measured by receiving RFID stations and reported to a location server for determining the RFID device's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional reference signal processing is used for positioning, then the system is simple to implement, but positioning accuracy is insufficient in high-density deployments and higher frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary backscatter channel between the target device and receiving RFID stations. The target device modulates the backscattered signal to encode position information, allowing receiving stations to measure positioning reference signals through this indirect path. This intermediary mechanism enables accurate positioning in high-density deployments where direct signal paths are blocked or congested
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional active transmitters with passive backscatter devices that modulate reflected signals. Instead of requiring the target device to actively transmit positioning signals (mechanical/active system), the device passively modulates the backscattered signal from RFID readers, reducing power consumption and device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy
2Measurement precision
If active transmission of positioning signals by target devices is used, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The target device utilizes the existing RF energy field from RFID readers to power its backscatter modulation circuitry. The device harvests energy from the incident RF signals and uses this energy to modulate the backscattered signal, eliminating the need for separate power sources or high-power transmitters while maintaining positioning functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active signal transmission with passive backscatter modulation. The target device does not generate or transmit RF signals actively but instead modulates the reflected signals from RFID readers, dramatically reducing power consumption from milliwatts to microwatts while preserving positioning accuracy through clever signal encoding in the backscatter channel
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 highly accurate positioning of RFID devices by leveraging UE-assisted backscatter technology, improving positioning accuracy and efficiency in 5G networks.
Implementation Method 1
a backscattered signal from an RFID device observed at the one or more receiving RFID stations, and the backscattered signal being based on a positioning reference signal transmitted by a user equipment (UE)
Data Source
AI summary
A location server receives measurement reports from one or more receiving radio frequency identification (RFID) stations, the measurement reports being based on a backscattered signal from an RFID device observed at the one or more receiving RFID stations, and the backscattered signal being based on a positioning reference signal transmitted by a user equipment (UE). The location server determines an estimated position of the RFID device based on the measurement reports.