Wireless Node LoS Path Identification for Indoor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In indoor factory deployments, Non-Line of Sight (NLoS) components of radio signals dominate due to metal objects, leading to multipath propagation issues that compromise the accuracy of wireless terminal positioning, especially in 5G NR systems, as they introduce larger propagation delays and biases in position estimates.
Innovation Solution
A method using a trained prediction model, such as a neural network, is employed by wireless nodes to identify and distinguish Line of Sight (LoS) paths from NLoS paths, enabling more accurate positioning by reducing reporting payload and focusing on LoS measurements, thereby improving positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NLoS components are used for positioning measurements, then positioning coverage is improved in indoor environments with metal objects, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to larger propagation delays and positive bias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the received signal into multiple propagation paths and identifies the direct path component separately from reflected paths. By segmenting the signal analysis, the system can isolate the LoS component for accurate positioning while still utilizing NLoS components for coverage, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (signal processing algorithm) that mediates between NLoS components and positioning accuracy. This intermediary processes the signal to extract direct path information from multipath components, allowing the system to use NLoS signals for coverage while maintaining accuracy through the mediating processing step.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all received signal paths are used for positioning measurements, then positioning coverage is improved, but measurement complexity increases due to need to process multiple paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary direct path information from the multipath signal for positioning measurements. By taking out only the essential LoS component information rather than processing all paths equally, the system maintains coverage benefits while reducing measurement processing complexity to manageable levels.
3Measurement precision
If traditional multipath mitigation techniques are used, then positioning accuracy is improved by excluding NLoS paths, but positioning coverage deteriorates in environments where direct paths are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful multipath effect into a beneficial resource by using signal processing to identify and utilize the direct path component hidden within the multipath signal. This approach transforms the previously problematic NLoS environment into one that can provide both coverage and accuracy, resolving the contradiction between the two.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed, performed by a first wireless node for enabling estimation of a position of a wireless terminal. The method comprises receiving, from a positioning node, a message indicative of a trained prediction model for determining a line-of-sight, LoS, path associated with the first wireless node during positioning of the first wireless node. The method comprises receiving, from the second wireless node, a reference signal. The method comprises determining, based on the reference signal and the trained prediction model, a line-of-sight, LoS, path between the first wireless node and the second wireless node. The wireless terminal is one of the first wireless node and the second wireless node.