UE-Assisted RFID Backscatter Positioning for 5G Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G, face challenges in achieving highly accurate positioning due to limitations in reference signal processing and technology, especially when using higher frequency bands and dense deployments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing user equipment (UE) to transmit a positioning reference signal to an RFID device, enabling backscatter-based positioning by receiving and reporting measurement data from RFID stations to determine the RFID device's estimated position, leveraging backscattered signals for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional reference signal processing is used for positioning, then the system is simpler to implement, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to limitations in processing and technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID devices as intermediary elements between the UE and the positioning system. The RFID devices receive positioning reference signals from UEs and backscatter their signals to RFID stations, creating an intermediate measurement layer that enables more accurate positioning without directly increasing the complexity of the core positioning processing system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes UEs serve multiple functions: they act as both the device being positioned and as positioning reference signal transmitters. This multi-functionality allows the system to leverage existing UE capabilities for positioning purposes, improving accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Speed
If higher frequency bands are used for 5G positioning, then data rates and coverage improve, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal propagation challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RFID devices as intermediaries that operate at lower frequencies to receive and backscatter positioning signals. This intermediary layer allows the system to benefit from high-frequency 5G bands for data communication while using lower-frequency RFID backscatter signals for positioning, thereby maintaining both high data rates and positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the positioning function from the data communication function. High-frequency 5G signals are used for data transfer, while separate low-frequency RFID backscatter signals are used for positioning measurements. This segmentation allows each function to operate at optimal frequencies without compromising the other
3Productivity
If higher frequency bands are deployed densely, then network capacity and coverage improve, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal attenuation and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID stations and devices as intermediaries that operate at lower frequencies with better penetration capabilities. These intermediaries can reliably detect and report positioning signals even in high-density deployments where high-frequency signals may be attenuated or interfered with, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while supporting high network capacity
4Measurement precision
If UE transmits positioning reference signals for backscatter-based positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of positioning reference signals by UEs rather than continuous transmission. The UE transmits positioning signals at specific intervals to enable RFID backscatter positioning, which reduces energy consumption compared to continuous transmission while still providing accurate positioning when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables passive RFID devices to perform positioning measurements by backscattering signals without requiring active transmission from the RFID side. This self-service approach allows the positioning function to be performed by the UE and RFID stations without requiring additional power consumption from the RFID devices themselves
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
Enhances positioning accuracy by utilizing UE-assisted backscatter technology to process and report backscattered signals, addressing the limitations of existing 5G positioning methods.
Implementation Method 1
enabling the RFID device to transmit a backscattered signal based on the positioning reference signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a location server comprises obtaining first position information of one or more candidate user equipment (UEs), obtaining second position information of a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, selecting, from the one or more candidate UEs, a UE as a transmitting RFID station for transmitting a positioning reference signal to the RFID device, based on the first position information and the second position information indicating that the UE is closest to the RFID device among the one or more candidate UEs, receiving measurement reports from one or more receiving 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), and determining an estimated position of the RFID device based on the measurement reports.