3D Angle of Arrival Determination Using Multi-Axis Antenna Pairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in accurately determining the presence and location of external devices within their field of view due to corrupted angle of arrival (AoA) and range measurements caused by multipath effects and non-line of sight scenarios, especially with ultra-wideband (UWB) signals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that uses multiple antenna pairs aligned along different axes to obtain signal information, performs smoothing operations using tracking filters, and generates confidence values to improve the accuracy of AoA and range determinations, enabling the prediction of an external device's location within a three-dimensional field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal information is obtained using a single antenna pair, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of angle of arrival and range deteriorates due to corrupted signals from multipath effects and non-line of sight scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into multiple independent antenna pairs, each aligned along different axes. Each antenna pair independently measures angle of arrival in its specific direction, allowing the system to segment the complex 3D spatial measurement into manageable 2D plane measurements that can be combined for comprehensive location determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D angle of arrival measurement (single antenna pair) to 3D spatial location determination by adding another dimension through a second antenna pair aligned along a different axis. This dimensional expansion enables the system to resolve corrupted measurements by comparing data from multiple spatial dimensions.
2Reliability
If multiple antenna pairs aligned along different axes are used to improve measurement accuracy, then the reliability of field of view determination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through confidence value generation, where the processed signal information from multiple antenna pairs produces reliability metrics that feedback into the field of view determination logic. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust its determination reliability based on the quality of measurements from each antenna pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the measurements from multiple antenna pairs through a unified signal processing framework. The channel information, range information, and angle of arrival data from different antenna pairs are combined to generate a comprehensive prediction of external device presence, where the merged information provides redundancy that improves reliability.
3Measurement precision
If smoothing operations are performed on range information and angle of arrival data, then the measurement precision is improved, but the processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary smoothing operations on the raw signal information before final field of view determination. By pre-processing the range information and angle of arrival data through tracking filters, the system prepares cleaner input data for the prediction algorithm, reducing the need for iterative refinement and ultimately saving processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of the signal information by applying smoothing operations that transform raw instantaneous measurements into temporally averaged predicted values. This parameter transformation from instantaneous to averaged measurements reduces noise and improves precision while the efficient filter design minimizes the time penalty.
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 enhances the accuracy of determining whether an external device is within the field of view, improving user experience in applications like peer-to-peer file sharing and augmented reality by providing reliable distance and angle measurements.
Implementation Method 1
obtain signal information based on wireless signals received from an external electronic device via a first antenna pair and a second antenna pair
Implementation Method 2
perform, using a tracking filter, a smoothing operation on the range information and the first and second AoA
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes obtaining signal information based on wireless signals received from an external electronic device via a first antenna pair and a second antenna pair. The first and second antenna pairs are aligned along different axes. The signal information includes channel information, range information, a first angle of arrival (AoA) based on the first antenna pair, and a second AoA based on the second antenna pair. The method also includes generating an initial prediction of a presence of the external electronic device relative to a field of view (FoV) of the electronic device. The method further includes performing a smoothing operation on the range information and the first and second AoA, the smoothing operation generating a predicted location of the external electronic device relative to the FoV of the electronic device. Additionally, the method includes generating, based on the smoothing operation, confidence values associated with the predicted location.