Asynchronous Anchor Node Localization via Channel Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless sensor networks face challenges in accurately localizing wireless arbitrary devices without a shared clock, particularly in indoor environments, where synchronization of receivers is crucial for precise radio frequency localization using time difference of arrival (TDoA) techniques.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with asynchronous wireless anchor nodes that can change their RF channel to match the arbitrary device's channel, receive data traffic, and obtain ranging information including receive timestamps and channel sense information (CSI), allowing for precise localization using TDoA without a shared clock, and utilizing a multilateration algorithm to determine the device's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a shared clock is used for synchronization in TDoA localization, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock synchronization requirement from the TDoA measurement process by using receive timestamps captured at each anchor node's local clock. Instead of requiring all nodes to share a common clock, the system captures timing information independently at each receiver and uses the differences in these independent measurements to calculate location, thereby eliminating the need for complex shared clock synchronization while maintaining localization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces receive timestamps as an intermediary that mediates between the transmitted signal and the localization calculation. Each anchor node captures the timestamp of received signals using its own local clock, and these timestamps serve as the basis for TDoA calculations without requiring the clocks themselves to be synchronized. This intermediary approach allows independent clock operation while still enabling precise localization
2Adaptability or versatility
If RF channel switching is performed to match arbitrary device channel, then adaptability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic channel scanning and matching where anchor nodes periodically check for arbitrary devices on different RF channels and switch channels only when needed to establish communication. This periodic approach allows the system to maintain low power consumption by staying on a default channel most of the time while still providing adaptability to connect with devices on other channels when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables arbitrary devices to self-announce their presence and channel information through transmitted data traffic. Anchor nodes passively receive these announcements and automatically adjust their RF channel to match the arbitrary device's channel, eliminating the need for continuous active scanning by anchor nodes and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining channel compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatuses for determining location of a wireless arbitrary device are disclosed herein. In one example, a computer implemented method for localization of a wireless arbitrary device in a wireless network architecture comprises initializing the wireless network architecture having a plurality of wireless anchor nodes and a plurality of wireless sensor nodes. The method further includes preparing, with the plurality of wireless anchor nodes, for localization of the wireless arbitrary device, waiting to receive a packet from the wireless arbitrary device, receiving a communication including a packet from the wireless arbitrary device, and transmitting a communication including a synchronization packet to other anchor nodes of the plurality of wireless anchor nodes.