Ad Hoc Network Communication Using Orthogonal UWB Pulses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile ad-hoc networks face challenges in maintaining reliable communication due to interference and the ineffectiveness of wireless communication standards like DECT, PHS, and Wi-Fi in confined environments, particularly in determining relative positions of devices for coordination purposes.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a positioning module with ultra-wideband modulation to transmit data as orthogonal pulses, allowing communication devices to maintain connectivity and determine positions even when wireless communication is impaired, by using distinct antennas for positioning and communication functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless communication standards (DECT, PHS, Wi-Fi) are used for communication in confined environments, then communication can be established, but communication reliability deteriorates due to interference from radio wave reflections off obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinterference from radio wave reflections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication function into two separate modules: a wireless communication module for general data transmission and a positioning module with UWB capability for reliable position determination. This segmentation allows the positioning module to operate independently using orthogonal pulses that are not affected by the interference issues plugging the wireless communication module, thereby ensuring reliable position information even when wireless communication is impaired.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning module acts as an intermediary for position determination, using UWB orthogonal pulses that are less susceptible to interference. When wireless communication reliability deteriorates due to reflections, the system can still maintain position tracking through this intermediary positioning module, which then supports coordination functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a positioning module using UWB modulation is used to determine relative positions, then position determination capability is improved, but communication functionality is lost when wireless communication is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidcommunication continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both position determination and communication functions. By using orthogonal pulses from the positioning module, the system can maintain communication capabilities even when the primary wireless communication module is impaired, thus ensuring both position accuracy and communication continuity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the modulation parameter by using orthogonal pulses from the positioning module with UWB modulation when wireless communication is impaired. This parameter change allows the system to switch to a different transmission mode that is less susceptible to interference, maintaining both position determination accuracy and communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If distinct antennas are used for positioning and communication functions, then position determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antenna system into distinct antennas for positioning and communication functions. This segmentation improves position determination accuracy by preventing interference between the two functions, and while it increases device complexity, the modular design allows for independent optimization and maintenance of each subsystem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures continuous communication between coordinator and subordinate devices in mobile ad-hoc networks, enhancing position determination accuracy and reliability in confined spaces without affecting the positioning module's functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The second communication device then evaluates the distance separating it from the first communication device by measuring the propagation time of the ULB pulses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

using the positioning module to transmit said data in the form of second pulses orthogonal to the first pulses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Radiation:

Data Source

PatentEP3281031B1Communication method in an ad hoc network
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE SAS
  • EP3281031B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3281031B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3281031B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a communication method in an ad hoc network including a coordinating mobile communication device, referred to as coordinating device, and a plurality of subordinate mobile communication devices, referred to as subordinate devices, each communication device including a wireless communication module and a positioning module using transmission of first pulses modulated according to a first ultra-wideband modulation in order to determine information representing a position of said communication device. When implemented by a communication device, the method includes: obtaining (61) data to be transmitted; verifying (62) a transmission capacity of the wireless communication module; and, when the wireless communication module does not make it possible to transmit the data, using the positioning module (65) in order to transmit said data in the form of second pulses orthogonal to the first pulses.