User Equipment Positioning via Direct and Reflected Path Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional position determination techniques for user equipment in communication networks with deployed reflector nodes are not suitable, hindering network performance improvements.
Innovation Solution
A method and network node for determining the position of user equipment using triangulation based on measurements from both direct and indirect paths, leveraging reflector nodes to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional position determination techniques are used in networks with reflector nodes, then the existing methods can be applied, but the techniques are not suitable and cannot achieve accurate position determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of position determination by introducing triangulation methods that specifically account for reflector node geometry and signal path characteristics. Instead of using conventional methods that assume direct line-of-sight paths, the patent modifies the measurement parameters to include indirect paths via reflector nodes, enabling accurate position determination in environments with intelligent reflecting surfaces.
2Measurement precision
If triangulation based on both direct and indirect paths is used, then position determination accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal propagation paths into distinct direct paths and indirect paths via reflector nodes. By separating and independently analyzing each path type, the triangulation computation becomes more manageable. The method processes measurements from multiple paths separately before integrating them for final position determination, reducing the overall computational burden compared to treating all paths uniformly.
3Reliability
If multiple paths (direct and indirect) are utilized for measurements, then position determination reliability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement system multi-functional by utilizing both direct and indirect signal paths simultaneously for position determination. The same triangulation framework processes measurements from different path types, making the system versatile and reliable. This approach allows the network to leverage existing signal paths without requiring additional dedicated resources, achieving improved reliability through efficient use of available measurement opportunities.
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 accurate, computationally efficient, and resource-efficient position determination of user equipment, improving network performance by enabling precise beamforming and reliability estimation.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector node 110 comprises a controller module 112 and a repeater module 118, comprising a meta-surface or other type of array structure with patch antennas... the controller 114 controlling the impedances of the respective patch antennas, the reflection angle of an incoming radio wave can be adapted according to the generalized Snell's law
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided techniques for position determination of a user equipment. A method is performed by a network node. The network node serves the user equipment in a radio environment over at least one indirect path via a respective reflector node and over a direct path. The location of the reflector node relative the location of the network node is known by the network node. The method comprises obtaining measurements relative the user equipment. The measurements pertain to properties of the indirect path and the direct path. The measurements are based on signals communicated between the network node and the user equipment via the indirect path and via the direct path. The method comprises determining the position of the user equipment using triangulation based on the measurements.