Wireless Anchor Scheduling for TDOA Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining location information between objects, such as people, mobile machinery, and vehicles, are inefficient in providing accurate and reliable tracking and collision avoidance due to limitations in existing wireless signal measurement techniques and anchor placement strategies.
Innovation Solution
The use of Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) and Two-Way Time of Arrival (TW-TOA) measurement techniques by mobile tags in conjunction with strategically placed anchors, along with a scheduling system to manage wireless signal transmission and reduce interference, enables precise location determination and tracking within demarcated areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wireless signal measurement techniques are used for location determination, then the system implementation is simple, but the location accuracy and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the location determination process into multiple measurement techniques (TDOA, TW-TOA, TOA) that can be selectively applied. Different anchor pairs are assigned different measurement techniques based on their coverage areas and signal characteristics, allowing the system to achieve high accuracy without uniformly increasing complexity across all anchors
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different measurement techniques (TDOA, TW-TOA, TOA) based on real-time signal conditions, anchor pair configurations, and coverage requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high location accuracy while managing complexity by using the most appropriate technique for each situation
2Reliability
If more anchors are deployed to improve location coverage, then the location tracking reliability improves, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each anchor in the system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can participate in TDOA measurements, TW-TOA measurements, and TOA measurements depending on the configuration and signal conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve reliable location tracking with fewer anchors compared to systems using single-function anchors
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (measurement technique selection, anchor pairing configurations, coverage area definitions) to optimize the performance of the deployed anchor network. By adjusting these parameters, the system maximizes location tracking reliability with the existing anchor deployment, reducing the need for additional anchors
3Speed
If wireless signals are transmitted continuously to maintain location tracking, then the location update frequency is high, but the signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic signal transmission schedules where anchors transmit reference signals at specific intervals rather than continuously. The location determination process is also periodic, triggered by entering demarcated areas or at scheduled intervals, which reduces overall signal transmission and interference while maintaining adequate location update frequency for safety applications
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining demarcated areas and pre-configuring anchor pairs with their measurement techniques. When a mobile object enters these pre-defined areas, location determination is triggered, which optimizes the timing of signal transmissions and reduces unnecessary transmissions in areas where location tracking is not required
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 provides accurate and efficient location tracking and collision avoidance by ensuring reliable wireless signal coverage and minimizing interference, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in environments like warehouses and commercial spaces.
Implementation Method 1
determining, according to a time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurement technique, a location of a mobile object within the demarcated area
Implementation Method 2
determining, according to a two-way time of arrival (TW-TOA) measurement technique, a location of a mobile object within the demarcated area
Implementation Method 3
transmitting a wireless reference signal from a first anchor to a second anchor in the plurality of anchors
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining, according to a location of each of a plurality of devices, an arrangement of coverage areas of devices pairs of the plurality of devices to enable a determination of a mobile device location relative to one or more of the devices pairs within a demarcated area, and identifying a transmission schedule for each of the devices pairs to transmit a wireless signal that initiates a process to determine the mobile device location. Other embodiments are disclosed.