Acoustic Ranging Method for Intelligent Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current positioning technologies for intelligent devices, such as GNSS, UWB, WiFi, and Bluetooth, face limitations in accuracy and universality, especially indoors, and require additional components or synchronization, making them unreliable for relative positioning.

Innovation Solution

A two-way ranging method using acoustic positioning signals that allows for time-synchronization-free distance measurement between intelligent devices, utilizing existing acoustic receivers and transmitters without additional components, by calculating the distance based on time differences in signal reception and transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GNSS, UWB, WiFi, or Bluetooth positioning technologies are used, then positioning functionality is achieved, but positioning accuracy is insufficient and additional components or synchronization mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidadditional components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using existing acoustic components (microphones and speakers) that are already present in intelligent devices for both audio processing and positioning functions. This eliminates the need for dedicated positioning hardware, as the same acoustic components serve dual purposes: normal audio communication and time difference of arrival measurements for positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the device's own acoustic resources (microphones and speakers) to perform positioning measurements without requiring external specialized equipment. Each device serves itself by utilizing its built-in acoustic components to transmit and receive acoustic signals for calculating relative position based on time differences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If clock synchronization mechanisms are implemented to improve positioning accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity and synchronization requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of synchronizing clocks between devices to achieve accurate positioning, the patent inverts the approach by measuring the time difference of acoustic signal arrival at each device and using this asymmetry directly for positioning calculations. The system accepts and utilizes the time synchronization offset rather than attempting to eliminate it, turning the problem into a solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary medium to transfer positioning information between devices. By measuring the time difference of acoustic signal transmission and reception, the system obtains relative position data without requiring direct clock synchronization between devices, using the acoustic propagation time as the measuring intermediary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If infrared or laser technology is used for positioning, then measurement precision improves, but reliability decreases due to environmental light interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidenvironmental interference resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical-based positioning systems (infrared or laser) with acoustic-based positioning. By substituting acoustic waves for light waves, the system achieves positioning functionality that is not susceptible to environmental light interference, while maintaining the ability to measure time differences for position calculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method provides accurate and reliable relative positioning without the need for clock synchronization, reducing errors caused by differing clock accuracy and response times, and does not require additional components, enhancing positioning accuracy and universality.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting a first acoustic positioning signal; receiving the first acoustic positioning signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

determining a distance between the first device and the second device based on the first time difference and the second time difference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20230251373A1Ranging method, apparatus and system, intelligent device and computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.08.10 TOUCHAIR TECH

AI summary

The present application provides a ranging method, apparatus and system, an intelligent device and a computer-readable storage medium. The ranging method is applicable to a first device, and the ranging method includes: transmitting a first acoustic positioning signal; receiving the first acoustic positioning signal. Regardless of whether the clock timestamps between devices are synchronized and whether the response time of software processing is different, the present application can achieve high positioning accuracy.