Wireless Positioning with Non-Coincident 1D Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning methods using 1D antenna arrays are inadequate for determining the position of wireless devices due to the inability to measure angles representing rotation around the antenna array, limiting their application in scenarios where 1D arrays are used.
Innovation Solution
A method and network node that estimate angle-of-arrival values from measured phase differences between antenna elements of at least three non-coincident 1D antenna arrays, combining these values to determine the wireless device's position using angle-of-arrival cones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If 1D antenna arrays are used for positioning, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but positioning capability is insufficient due to inability to measure rotation angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 1D antenna arrays to 2D antenna arrays, adding a spatial dimension to the antenna element arrangement. This dimensional change enables the measurement of both azimuth and elevation angles, resolving the limitation of 1D arrays that could only measure angles in one direction. The 2D configuration provides the necessary geometric diversity to achieve complete angular positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna array into multiple sub-arrays or groups, where each sub-array can independently perform angle-of-arrival measurements. By dividing the overall antenna system into multiple functional segments, the patent achieves comprehensive angular coverage and improves positioning accuracy while maintaining system modularity and flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If 2D antenna arrays are used for angle-of-arrival measurements, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic signal processing techniques that adapt to the spatial characteristics of the antenna array. By using dynamic algorithms for angle estimation and position calculation, the system achieves high positioning accuracy without requiring excessive hardware complexity. The dynamic processing compensates for the increased structural complexity through intelligent computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can simultaneously conduct angle-of-arrival measurements, channel estimation, and positioning determination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity while maintaining high 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
Enables accurate positioning using simpler 1D antenna arrays, applicable in various communications networks, including LTE, NR, WiFi, and Bluetooth, by leveraging phase differences and cone intersections for precise location estimation.
Implementation Method 1
The angle-of-arrival can be obtained by exploiting the fact that the phase difference of the received signal between two antenna elements in an antenna array is equal to the dot product of the vectors describing the relative position of the antenna elements and the unit vector pointing from the antenna array towards the wireless device.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided mechanisms for position determination of a wireless device. A method is performed by a network node. The method comprises estimating a respective angle-of-arrival value for each of at least three 1D antenna arrays from measured phase differences between antenna elements per 1D antenna array for a signal communicated between the wireless device and the at least three 1D antenna arrays. The antenna elements of each 1D antenna array are arranged along a respective line. At least two of the lines are non-coincident with respect to each other. The method comprises determining the position of the wireless device by combining the angle-of-arrival values from the at least three 1D antenna arrays.