UE Positioning with IRS Path Exclusion for Accurate Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS) in wireless communication networks leads to inaccuracies in determining distance and angular information based on reference signals, affecting UE positioning methods such as TDOA, AoA, AoD, RSTD, and RTT.
Innovation Solution
A location server receives a notification indicating a transmission path via an IRS and prevents UE positioning based on reference signals, optionally requesting the base station to switch off the IRS or use an alternate path without IRS, and the UE adjusts its measurements accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IRS is used to transmit reference signals in blockage scenarios, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but positioning measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an IRS indicator as an intermediary information element that mediates between the IRS transmission mechanism and the positioning measurement process. This indicator, transmitted from the base station to the UE, enables the UE to identify whether a reference signal was transmitted via IRS, allowing the positioning system to selectively exclude such measurements from positioning calculations, thereby resolving the contradiction between utilizing IRS for signal reliability and maintaining positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the reference signal transmission paths into two distinct categories: direct base station to UE paths and IRS-reflected paths. By introducing the IRS indicator, the system can differentiate and separately process measurements from these two path types, allowing positioning algorithms to use only direct path measurements while still benefiting from IRS-enhanced signal availability in blockage scenarios
2Area of stationary object
If IRS is used for reference signal transmission, then coverage area is extended, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The IRS indicator serves as a mediator that enables the system to extend coverage through IRS while maintaining positioning accuracy. The indicator allows the UE to recognize IRS-transmitted signals and exclude them from positioning calculations, permitting the network to use IRS for coverage extension in blockage areas without compromising the accuracy of positioning measurements in non-blockage areas
3Ease of operation
If UE performs positioning based on all reference signals, then positioning functionality is maintained, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to IRS signals
Solution Approach 1:
The IRS indicator acts as a filter mechanism that maintains positioning functionality while improving accuracy. By providing this indicator, the system enables the UE to automatically distinguish between suitable and unsuitable reference signals for positioning, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration or intervention while ensuring that only high-quality direct path signals are used for positioning calculations
Data Source
AI summary
According to embodiments, an example method of positioning a user equipment (UE) by a location server in a wireless communications network, the method may comprises receiving a request to perform positioning of the UE and receiving a notification from a first base station indicating that a transmission path between the first base station and the UE is via an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS). The method may further comprise responsive, at least in part, to receiving the notification, preventing the positioning of the UE from being based on a reference signal transmitted through the transmission path between the first base station and the UE.