Antenna Switching for Indoor Location Tracking Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Location tracking accuracy in indoor environments is suboptimal due to multipath issues and unpredictable client antenna patterns, which are difficult to address with existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where location devices and wireless access points coordinate antenna switching or beam steering using multiple directional antennas and phase shifters, with the location device cycling through a sequence of antenna states based on inertial measurement unit data to reduce multipath interference and enhance line-of-sight measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional location tracking methods are used in indoor environments, then the system is simple to implement, but location tracking accuracy deteriorates due to multipath issues and unpredictable antenna patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna switching where the location device cycles through multiple antenna states based on inertial measurement unit data. The system dynamically selects which antenna to use for transmission based on detected motion, changing the antenna configuration in real-time to maintain optimal line-of-sight communication and reduce multipath interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The location device periodically cycles through a sequence of antenna states in a predetermined order. This periodic switching ensures that even if one antenna experiences multipath interference, another antenna in the sequence may provide a clearer line-of-sight signal, improving overall location tracking accuracy through time-diversity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple directional antennas and phase shifters are used to coordinate antenna switching, then location tracking accuracy improves by attenuating non-line-of-sight components, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent antenna elements, each capable of being selectively activated. By segmenting the antenna functionality across multiple elements and switching between them based on inertial measurement data, the system achieves better signal quality without requiring each individual antenna to be highly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The location device uses its own inertial measurement unit data to autonomously determine which antenna state to activate. This self-service approach allows the device to adapt to its own motion characteristics without requiring complex external coordination or control systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the location device cycles through antenna states based on inertial measurement unit data, then non-line-of-sight components are attenuated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna state cycling operates periodically rather than continuously, with the device switching between aĉé set of predetermined antenna states. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption compared to continuous scanning or adaptive beamforming, while still providing sufficient diversity to attenuate multipath components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the antenna state parameter based on inertial measurement thresholds or predetermined sequences rather than continuously adjusting all antenna parameters. This discrete parameter changing approach consumes less energy than continuous parameter optimization while maintaining the ability to select optimal antenna configurations for line-of-sight communication.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method is performed. A device may receive an antenna state configuration and a sequence from a wireless access point (AP) device. A plurality of antenna states configured on the device may be selected based on the antenna state configuration and the sequence. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) measurement may be determined. A beacon signal may be transmitted for each selected antenna state. Each transmitted beacon signal may indicate a corresponding selected antenna state.