Anchor-Tag Positioning Synchronization for Higher ToF Update Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless positioning systems face challenges in scheduling wireless positioning of tag nodes, particularly with ToF methods, leading to inefficiencies in frequency and number of positioning tags.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system that performs time synchronization among anchor nodes through first communication and shares parameters for positioning processing, using single-hop communication to execute positioning or rangefinding in a designated slot, with tag nodes synchronizing with anchor nodes and executing processing using single-hop communication based on shared parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ToF method is used for positioning, then highly-accurate position estimation can be achieved, but the number of messages increases and the frequency of positioning is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs time synchronization among anchor nodes in advance before positioning operations. This preliminary synchronization enables efficient ToF-based positioning by ensuring all nodes operate on a common time reference, reducing the need for repeated synchronization messages and thereby increasing positioning frequency without sacrificing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic positioning slots where positioning operations are executed at regular intervals. During these designated slots, pre-synchronized anchor nodes can efficiently exchange positioning messages using ToF method, achieving both high accuracy and increased positioning frequency through structured periodic operation
2Measurement precision
If TDoA method is used for positioning, then position can be estimated from arrival time differences, but highly-precise time synchronization is required which increases installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs time synchronization among anchor nodes in advance through first communication before positioning operations. This preliminary synchronization step establishes a common time reference for all anchor nodes, enabling accurate TDoA-based positioning while reducing the overall complexity of time synchronization requirements during actual positioning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates time synchronization operations from positioning operations by using different communication channels: first communication for synchronization and single-hop communication for positioning. This segmentation allows TDoA positioning to achieve high accuracy without requiring complex real-time synchronization during positioning, thereby reducing installation complexity
3Device complexity
If AoA method is used for positioning, then highly-precise time synchronization is not required, but a plurality of antennas are required which increases unit size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning system that can execute both AoA and ToF positioning methods through the same single-hop communication infrastructure. By using ToF for inter-node synchronization and parameter sharing, and AoA for actual positioning measurements, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate hardware systems, thereby reducing unit size while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses ToF-based time synchronization as an intermediary mechanism that enables AoA positioning to function effectively. The pre-established time reference from ToF synchronization serves as a mediator that allows AoA measurements to be performed accurately without requiring complex real-time synchronization, thereby reducing the number of antennas needed and decreasing unit size
4Quantity of substance
If wireless positioning of multiple tag nodes is performed, then positioning coverage increases, but scheduling complexity increases leading to poor convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs time synchronization and parameter sharing among anchor nodes in advance through first communication before positioning operations begin. This preliminary preparation establishes a common operational framework that simplifies scheduling for multiple tag nodes, allowing the system to handle increased positioning coverage without proportionally increasing scheduling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic positioning slots where all anchor nodes execute positioning operations for multiple tag nodes at regular intervals. This structured periodic approach allows the system to manage scheduling for numerous tags efficiently by confining communication activities to specific time windows, thereby maintaining scheduling convenience even as the number of positioning tags increases
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a positioning system comprising one or more anchor nodes and one or more tag nodes. The anchor nodes perform time synchronization among the anchor nodes through first communication different from single-hop communication, and share parameters to be used in positioning processing of the tag nodes, transmit the parameters to the tag nodes through single-hop communication, and execute positioning or rangefinding for the tag nodes based on the parameters in a positioning slot in which the positioning processing is executed. The tag nodes perform time synchronization with the anchor nodes through the single-hop communication, and receive the parameters from at least one of the anchor nodes, and execute wireless positioning processing using the single-hop communication with the at least one of the anchor nodes based on the parameters in the positioning slot.