Uplink Backscattering for UE Environment Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in accurately estimating the position and environment of a wireless communication device (WCD) within Radio Access Networks (RAN), particularly in fifth-generation (5G) networks, which limits the precision of positioning and network performance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves the WCD transmitting uplink transmissions, obtaining backscattering measurements, and reporting these to the network, while the network node receives and estimates the WCD's environment based on these measurements, enabling simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) to create a digital twin of the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods (DL or UL reference signals) are used, then UE position can be estimated, but environment information cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the uplink transmission serve dual purposes: traditional positioning measurements and environment mapping through backscattering. The same uplink reference signal is used both for determining UE position and for characterizing the surrounding environment by analyzing backscattered components, eliminating the need for separate environment sensing transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines position estimation and environment mapping into a unified process. By merging these two functions into a single measurement framework using backscattering analysis of uplink signals, the system simultaneously obtains both spatial location and environmental characteristics without requiring separate measurement procedures.
2Loss of information
If dedicated environment sensing signals are transmitted, then environment mapping can be performed, but positioning accuracy may deteriorate due to additional interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the UE's own uplink transmission as the probing signal for environment sensing. The UE transmits an uplink reference signal and simultaneously measures the backscattered components from surrounding objects. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensing signals that could interfere with positioning measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The backscattered signal components act as intermediaries that carry environment information without requiring direct transmission from environment objects. By analyzing these backscattered components, the system indirectly characterizes the environment while using the same uplink transmission that serves positioning purposes, avoiding additional interference.
3Measurement precision
If backscattering measurements are obtained and reported, then environment estimation accuracy improves, but uplink resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The uplink reference signal transmission serves multiple functions simultaneously: traditional positioning measurements, channel quality assessment, and environment mapping through backscattering analysis. By making the transmission multi-functional, the system extracts maximum information from a single transmission event, reducing the need for additional uplink resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial environment mapping by focusing on extracting relevant environmental characteristics from backscattering measurements rather than attempting complete environmental characterization. This selective approach obtains sufficient environment information for positioning enhancement without requiring exhaustive measurement campaigns that would consume excessive uplink resources.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of WCD positioning and environment estimation, improving network performance by optimizing beamforming, scheduling, and positioning reference signal configurations, thereby providing better Quality of Service (QoS) and supporting advanced applications like autonomous driving and disaster response.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining backscattering measurements for the one or more uplink transmissions
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device, WCD, transmits one or more uplink transmissions, obtains backscattering measurements for the one or more uplink transmissions, and reports the backscattering measurements to a wireless communication network. A network node in the wireless communication network receives the backscattering measurements, and estimates an environment of the WCD based on the backscattering measurements. The one or more uplink transmissions may for example include a sounding reference signal, SRS. The network node may for example schedule a transmission, select beamforming, or adapt a positioning reference signal configuration based on the estimated environment of the WCD. The network node may for example receive positioning measurements and estimate a position of the WCD based on the positioning measurements. The estimation of a position of the WCD and the estimation of an environment of the WCD may for example be performed jointly via simultaneous localization and mapping, SLAM.