Wireless UE Positioning Using RIS Reflectors With Mobile TPs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network positioning systems face challenges in accurately locating user equipment (UE) due to the introduction of mobile transmit points (TPs) like drones and UAVs, which increase the number of unknown locations and synchronization errors, making it difficult to determine UE location without sufficient fixed reference points.
Innovation Solution
The use of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) as smart reflectors that manipulate and tag reflected signals with unique signatures, allowing UE to identify nearby reflectors with known locations, enabling precise location determination even with mobile TPs, by processing a combination of direct and reflected signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based location services are used, then location accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases and indoor coverage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the location determination process into multiple independent measurement techniques (TOA, TDOA, AOA, fingerprinting) that can be selectively applied. Different segmentation strategies are used: dividing the network into base stations with different capabilities, separating indoor and outdoor location methods, and breaking down the location calculation into multiple signal measurement components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs composite location determination by combining multiple signal measurement techniques (time of arrival, time difference of arrival, angle of arrival) and multiple identification methods (fingerprinting, trilateration, triangulation) to create a robust hybrid location system that maintains accuracy across diverse environments while optimizing power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If GPS is used for location tracking, then outdoor location accuracy is improved, but indoor location coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by designing a location determination framework that functions across multiple environments (indoor, outdoor, urban, rural) using the same core infrastructure of base stations and wireless signals. The system adapts its measurement techniques based on environment type, providing consistent location service quality universally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and adjusts location determination methods based on real-time conditions such as signal availability, environment type, and base station configuration. The location server dynamically chooses between TOA, TDOA, AOA, and fingerprinting methods, and adjusts measurement parameters adaptively to maintain performance across varying conditions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple base stations are deployed for location triangulation, then location accuracy is improved, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The location server acts as an intermediary that centralizes the complex computations for location determination. Base stations perform only signal measurement and forward data to the location server, which handles the sophisticated algorithms for TOA, TDOA, AOA calculations and fingerprinting matching. This distribution of complexity reduces individual base station requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses signal copying and replication techniques where location measurement data is collected from multiple base stations and copied to the location server for centralized processing. Fingerprinting templates are pre-computed and stored as copies for rapid matching during location determination, reducing real-time computational complexity.
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 method reduces synchronization errors and improves positioning accuracy by using RIS to provide additional reference points, allowing UE to determine its location without needing prior knowledge of the reflector, even in environments with mobile TPs.
Implementation Method 1
a base station 102 transmits a positioning reference signal 104 to a user equipment (UE) 106
Implementation Method 2
the UE 106 measures a time of arrival (TOA) 108 of the positioning reference signal 104
Implementation Method 3
wireless communication and positioning systems rely on the air interface between a base station and a UE
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided that may simplify and enhance the location of nodes in a network, including ED and mobile TPs, even if all or many of the nodes are mobile. The methods may be used to enable single TP positioning, and may be used to reduce synchronization error. The provided methods make use of smart reflectors having known location. By processing a combination of signals, which may include an original transmitted signal, and/or one or more reflected signals, the location of a receiving node can be determined. Media tagging may be employed to allow a receiver to detect the identity of the nearby reflectors (with known locations) and based on the identity determine the locations of the reflectors. Using this information, the receiving node can detect its location regardless of knowing the transmission source and/or location.