Angle-Based Distance Estimation Using Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating the distance between electronic devices, especially for wireless communication, are unreliable due to variations in signal strength and are prone to errors caused by objects in the line of sight, making it difficult to ensure optimal communication ranges.
Innovation Solution
A method using a first device with an antenna array that wirelessly receives data packets from multiple second devices, calculates angle differences, and determines the distance based on these angles and predetermined locations, allowing for accurate distance estimation regardless of objects in the path, by using either angle of arrival or angle of departure data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is used for distance estimation, then distance can be estimated based on signal strength, but the estimation becomes unreliable due to variations caused by antenna types, object presence, and other influencing factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic signal strength-based measurement (RSSI) with a geometric angle-based measurement system. By using an antenna array to detect angles of arrival or departure and applying trigonometric calculations, the system substitutes a more reliable geometric method for the unreliable signal strength method, thereby improving both precision and reliability of distance estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angle measurements as an intermediary parameter between the wireless signal and the final distance calculation. Instead of directly using signal strength, the system first measures the angle of arrival/departure using the antenna array, then uses this angle as an intermediate step to calculate distance through trigonometric relationships, thereby eliminating the direct dependence on unreliable signal strength variations.
2Measurement precision
If ranging measuring devices like depth sensors or LIDAR are used for distance estimation, then distance can be measured with better accuracy, but the cost increases and the devices become prone to errors when objects block the line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the antenna array perform multiple functions: it continues to handle wireless communication data transmission and reception while simultaneously functioning as an angle measurement device for distance estimation. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated ranging devices like LIDAR or depth sensors, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system serves itself by using its own antenna array to perform both communication and distance measurement functions. The same hardware infrastructure that enables data transmission also provides the angular information needed for accurate distance estimation, eliminating the need for external or additional measuring devices.
3Measurement precision
If ranging measuring devices like LIDAR are used for distance estimation, then distance can be measured accurately, but the measurement fails when objects like walls or persons are in the way between the devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces line-of-sight-based optical measurement (LIDAR) with a wireless electromagnetic signal-based angular measurement system. Since wireless signals can penetrate or diffract around obstacles more effectively than optical beams, the system maintains measurement capability in the presence of obstacles, thereby improving adaptability while preserving measurement precision.
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 method provides accurate distance estimation and verification without relying on signal strength, ensuring reliable communication and motion tracking systems, even in the presence of obstacles, by using angle-based calculations and inertial measurement units.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, at the first device, an angle of arrival of each at least one data packet wirelessly received
Implementation Method 2
wirelessly receiving, at a first device, at least one data packet from each second device of a plurality of second devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising: wirelessly receiving, at a first device, at least one data packet from each second device of a plurality of second devices arranged at predetermined locations of a target; detecting an angle of arrival of each at least one data packet wirelessly received of at least a pair of second devices; calculating at least one angle difference between the angles of arrival associated with the pair of second devices, or between the angles of arrival associated with each of the pair of second devices and a predetermined direction; and determining whether the target is at a predetermined distance range from the first device by estimating the distance based on the at least one angle difference, and a predetermined distance between the predetermined locations; or checking whether each of the at least one angle difference is within a predetermined angle range for the predetermined locations of the pair of second devices. Also, a method for making such determination based on angles of departure.