# Joint Localization and Environment Sensing by Harnessing NLOS Components in RIS-aided mmWave Communication Systems

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.12332 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.12332/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 21 May 2023.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Geometry-Informed Optimization of Binary RIS Configurations for Communication and Sensing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2608.04133/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This study explores the use of non-line-of-sight (NLOS) components in millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication systems for joint localization and environment sensing. The radar cross section (RCS) of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is calculated to develop a general path gain model for RISs and traditional scatterers. The results show that RISs have a greater potential to assist in localization due to their ability to maintain high RCSs and create strong NLOS links. A one-stage linear weighted least squares estimator is proposed to simultaneously determine user equipment (UE) locations, velocities, and scatterer (or RIS) locations using line-of-sight (LOS) and NLOS paths. The estimator supports environment sensing and UE localization even using only NLOS paths. A second-stage estimator is also introduced to improve environment sensing accuracy by considering the nonlinear relationship between UE and scatterer locations. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed estimators in rich scattering environments and the benefits of using NLOS paths for improving UE location accuracy and assisting in environment sensing. The effects of RIS number, size, and deployment on localization performance are also analyzed.