Wireless Positioning NLOS Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face inaccuracies in geographic positioning of wireless devices due to reference signals taking non-line-of-sight (NLOS) paths, leading to overestimation of distances and positioning errors.
Innovation Solution
The method involves estimating transmission time delays of reference signals due to NLOS reflections and refractions, using these delays to compensate timing measurement information, and applying hyperbolic or triangular positioning technologies to accurately determine the geographic position of wireless devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reference signal propagation time is measured directly, then positioning can be performed, but distance estimation accuracy deteriorates due to NLOS paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by estimating NLOS time delays before performing the final positioning calculation. The system pre-processes the reference signal measurements to identify and quantify NLOS propagation delays, then compensates for these delays before computing the final position. This preliminary compensation step ensures that the distance estimation uses corrected propagation times, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining positioning reliability.
2Measurement precision
If NLOS time delay estimation is performed, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the NLOS time delay estimation module - that acts as a mediator between the raw reference signal measurements and the final positioning calculation. This intermediary estimates the NLOS delays and provides compensated propagation times to the positioning algorithm. By inserting this intermediate processing step, the system achieves higher positioning accuracy without requiring a complete redesign of the positioning architecture, thus managing complexity while improving precision.
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 significantly improves the accuracy of geographic positioning by accounting for NLOS time delays, reducing distance estimation errors, and enhancing the precision of hyperbolic or triangular positioning methods.
Implementation Method 1
reference signals transmit via multiple reflections rather than direct paths
Implementation Method 2
multiple reflections and/or refractions
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes methods and systems for estimating positions of a mobile terminals. The position of a mobile terminal may be estimated based on measured timing information of reference signals transmitted by a plurality of base stations and received by the mobile terminal as compensated by non-line-of-sight (NLOS) delay times in the reference signal propagation times. The NLOS delay times may be estimated using one or more positioning anchors. Alternatively, the NLOS delay times may be estimated by using multiple spatially separate antennas of the mobile terminal, by jointly with other mobile terminals, or by using other approximation methods. The approaches provided by this disclosure facilitate more accurate position estimates for high precision mobile positioning applications.