5G SLAM Object Localisation via ID Tags and Edge Computing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G positioning technologies lack accuracy for indoor and outdoor localisation of objects, are costly, and face interference from metallic surfaces, while existing UWB and Bluetooth LE systems have limitations in data privacy and absolute positioning.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) with 5G communication, combined with Ultra Wide Band (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technologies, to accurately localise objects within a facility, employing ID tags for passive objects and 5G transceivers for active objects, while ensuring data privacy through encrypted communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If 5G positioning is used alone, then coverage area is improved, but localisation accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidlocalisation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines 5G positioning with SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to achieve both wide coverage and high accuracy. The 5G network provides broad coverage while SLAM algorithms process sensor data from multiple sources to deliver precise localization, effectively merging the strengths of both systems to resolve the contradiction between coverage area and localization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate processing layers including edge computing nodes and cloud platforms that mediate between the 5G positioning data and final localization results. These intermediaries enhance accuracy through multi-layer data processing, fusion with other sensor data, and sophisticated algorithmic refinement without limiting the broad coverage provided by 5G.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If UWB/BLE localisation is used, then localisation accuracy is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalisation accuracyVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional positioning system where a single infrastructure supports multiple technologies (5G, SLAM, and optional UWB/BLE). This universal system can adapt to different accuracy and cost requirements by selecting appropriate technology combinations, making high-accuracy UWB/BLE available only where necessary while using more cost-effective 5G+SLAM elsewhere.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different localization technologies to different spatial zones and application scenarios within the facility. High-accuracy UWB/BLE is deployed only in areas requiring precision localization, while 5G+SLAM provides cost-effective coverage in other areas, optimizing the overall cost-accuracy balance through localized technology selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If 5G transceivers are equipped on passive objects, then localisation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalisation accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of equipping passive objects with complex 5G transceivers, the patent inverts the approach by using active user equipment (smartphones, tablets) to detect and localize passive objects. The passive objects can be tagged with simple identifiers, while the active devices perform the complex signal processing and localization calculations, thereby reducing device complexity on passive objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables active user equipment to autonomously perform localization of passive objects without requiring the passive objects to have complex transceivers. The active devices self-service by processing signals, running SLAM algorithms, and determining positions, thereby simplifying the passive object design while maintaining high localization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4017034B15g positioning slam tags
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP4017034B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4017034B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4017034B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a system for simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) of an object in an area. The system comprises at least one base station and at least one user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with the at least one base station. The system further comprises at least one object to be localised, wherein the at least one object each comprises an identification tag (ID tag). The at least one UE and/or the at least one base station is configured to localise the at least one object via the respective ID tag. The at least one base station is configured to localise the at least one UE in the area based on 5G communication. The at least one UE is configured to localise the at least one object based on the respective ID tag and configured to transmit a relative position of the at least one object with respect to the at least one UE to the base station. The system further comprises a control entity configured to communicate with the at least one UE and/or the at least one base station to receive the position of the at least one UE and the relative position of the at least one object, wherein the control entity is further configured to generate a map of the position of the at least one object in the area.