Anchor Pair Ranging Schedules for Accurate TDOA Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining location information between objects, such as people, mobile machinery, and vehicles, are inefficient and lack accuracy in environments with varying coverage areas and interference, particularly in open spaces and aisles.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a mobile tag and anchors that perform Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) and Two-Way Time of Arrival (TW-TOA) measurements, along with scheduling and peer-to-peer communication, to accurately determine location and trajectory in environments with varying coverage, using ultra-wideband and Bluetooth signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing location determination methods are used in environments with varying coverage areas and interference, then location information can be obtained, but the accuracy and efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination process into multiple ranging rounds with different communication modes (broadcast, unicast, peer-to-peer). Each mode handles specific scenarios: broadcast for initial acquisition, unicast for refined measurement, and peer-to-peer for collaborative determination. This segmentation allows the system to switch between modes based on environmental conditions, thereby improving both accuracy and efficiency in varying coverage areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation by allowing mobile tags to transition between different communication modes based on their movement state and environmental conditions. When tags are stationary or moving slowly, the system uses more accurate but resource-intensive methods. When tags are moving quickly or in areas with interference, the system dynamically switches to more efficient methods, optimizing the balance between accuracy and efficiency in real-time.
2Measurement precision
If multiple communication modes are used for location determination, then accuracy in complex environments improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal communication framework where a single system supports multiple communication modes (broadcast, unicast, peer-to-peer) through a unified protocol structure. The mobile tags and anchors are equipped with multi-functional communication capabilities that can operate in different modes as needed. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle diverse environmental conditions without requiring separate specialized systems for each scenario, thereby improving accuracy while controlling complexity through a unified architecture.
3Measurement precision
If ranging blocks and ranging rounds are implemented with scheduling, then interference is reduced and accuracy improves, but the time required for location determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic ranging rounds where mobile tags perform location determination at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The system divides time into ranging blocks containing multiple ranging rounds, with each round targeting specific anchor pairs. This periodic structure reduces interference by limiting when transmissions occur, improves accuracy through multiple measurement opportunities, and manages time loss by intelligently selecting which rounds to execute based on movement detection and environmental conditions.
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
Enables precise location tracking and collision avoidance in complex environments by providing accurate location information and trajectory analysis, reducing interference and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile tag and anchors perform Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) and Two-Way Time of Arrival (TW-TOA) measurements
Implementation Method 2
A mobile tag and anchors perform Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) and Two-Way Time of Arrival (TW-TOA) measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, generating, by a server operating as a controller in a locating system, a schedule for a group of anchors operating as controlees in the location system that is utilized for determining position information for one or more mobile devices, where the schedule is for a ranging block period; and provisioning, by the server, the schedule to the group of anchors to cause anchor pairs of the group of anchors to wirelessly transmit REQ messages and RSP messages to each other according to the schedule operating as an initiator and a responder, respectively, wherein the one or more mobile devices overhear the REQ messages and RSP messages being transmitted between the anchor pairs and calculate a TDOA measurement based on the REQ messages and RSP messages. Other embodiments are disclosed.