Wireless Positioning Using Active and Backscatter PRS Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving accurate positioning using diverse ambient power (AMP) devices due to differences in capabilities and deployment types, particularly when combining actively transmitted and backscattered positioning reference signals.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for wireless communication that utilizes both actively transmitted and backscattered positioning reference signals to determine position information, leveraging a first-type device with active transmission and a second-type device with backscatter mode, enabling low-cost and high-accuracy positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If only actively transmitted PRS is used for positioning, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but device cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system enables devices to operate in two modes: active transmission mode where the device transmits its own PRS, and backscatter mode where the device reflects incoming PRS from other devices. This self-service mechanism allows devices to position themselves or be positioned by others without requiring continuous active transmission, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy through the combination of both signal types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If diverse AMP devices are deployed for positioning, then system adaptability improves, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to capability differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice diversity supportVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning method is designed to universally support both first-type devices (capable of active transmission) and second-type devices (capable of backscatter). The system can flexibly combine PRS from active devices and backscattered PRS from passive devices to determine position information, making the positioning system adaptable to diverse device capabilities while maintaining accuracy through multi-source signal integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If backscatter mode is used for positioning, then device cost is reduced, but signal strength and reliability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice costVSAvoidsignal reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges PRS from active transmission devices with backscattered PRS from passive devices to determine position information. By combining multiple signal sources, the system compensates for the weaker signal strength of backscatter mode, improving overall signal reliability and positioning accuracy while allowing the use of low-cost backscatter-capable devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for precise positioning with reduced costs and maintenance, applicable in various communication systems including GSM, LTE, 5G, and IoT, supporting D2D, M2M, V2V, and V2X communications, and scenarios like smart homes and manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

the second-type PRS is transmitted by a second-type device using a backscatter mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBackscatter: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4651586A1Wireless communication method and device
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4651586A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4651586A1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP4651586A1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

A wireless communication method and a device. The method comprises: a first terminal receives a first-type positioning reference signal (PRS) and a second-type PRS, wherein the first-type PRS is sent by a first-type device in an active transmission manner, the second-type PRS is sent by a second-type device in a backscatter manner, and the first-type PRS and the second-type PRS are used for determining position information of the first terminal.