UWB Terminal Positioning Using Multi-Antenna Delay Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning technologies for terminal devices in ultra-wideband (UWB) scenarios face complexity issues due to the difficulty in separating signals from multiple antennas, especially when using a single antenna on the terminal device, leading to increased implementation complexity and precision challenges.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a network device sending impulse signals with varying delays to multiple antennas, allowing the terminal device to determine a channel impulse response vector, which is then used to extract transmission features like angle of departure without requiring signal waveform separation, thereby reducing complexity and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signals from multiple antennas are separated by using different signal waveforms, then signal separation is achieved, but implementation complexity of sender and receiver is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for signal separation from waveform characteristics to time delay characteristics. By introducing different sending delays for signals from different antennas, the system achieves signal separation through time-domain differentiation rather than waveform differentiation, thereby reducing implementation complexity while maintaining separation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex waveform-based separation mechanism with a simpler time-delay-based separation mechanism. Instead of requiring complex waveform generation and recognition systems, the solution uses controlled time delays that are easier to implement and process, effectively replacing a complex mechanical/system approach with a simpler temporal approach
2Measurement precision
If frequency division orthogonality is used to separate signals from multiple antennas, then signal separation is achieved, but it is difficult to implement in UWB systems due to extended frequency domain coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from frequency-domain separation (frequency division orthogonality) to time-domain separation (time delay differentiation). This dimensional change allows signal separation to be achieved in the time domain, which is compatible with UWB systems that operate across extended frequency ranges, thereby resolving the incompatibility issue while maintaining separation capability
3Measurement precision
If ToA or TDoA positioning technology is used, then positioning is implemented based on electromagnetic wave signal propagation time, but at least two network devices are required which limits application scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function into two parts: the network device performs signal transmission with controlled delays and initial positioning calculations, while the terminal device performs the final positioning determination using received signals and delay information. This segmentation allows a single network device to enable positioning functionality, removing the requirement for multiple network devices and expanding application scenario flexibility while maintaining positioning accuracy
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 enables accurate positioning of terminal devices in UWB scenarios by simplifying signal separation and enhancing precision through controlled delay-based signal processing, reducing overheads and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of sending delays of sending times at which the first impulse signals are respectively sent on the plurality of antennas relative to an initial sending time are different
Implementation Method 2
measuring channel impulse responses (channel impulse responses, CIRs) of a plurality of antennas, and positioning of a terminal device based on a single network device can be implemented by using angle domain information in combination with a signal propagation time
Implementation Method 3
a time of arrival (time of arrival, ToA) positioning technology and a time difference of arrival (time difference of arrival, TDoA) positioning technology. The ToA positioning technology and the TDoA positioning technology are essentially the same. In both the ToA positioning technology and the TDoA positioning technology, positioning is implemented based on a basic principle of an electromagnetic wave signal propagation time
Data Source
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AI summary
This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a positioning method and an apparatus, to reduce complexity of positioning a terminal device in a scenario, for example, an ultra-wideband UWB scenario. The method includes: A network device separately sends first impulse signals to a terminal device in an impulse receiving time window of the terminal device on a plurality of antennas, where a plurality of sending delays of sending times at which the first impulse signals are respectively sent on the plurality of antennas relative to an initial sending time are different; the network device receives a first channel impulse response vector from the terminal device; the network device determines a transmission feature of the first impulse signal based on the plurality of sending delays and the first channel impulse response vector; and the network device positions the terminal device based on the transmission feature of the first impulse signal.