Asset Tag Ranging via Peer-to-Peer Pilot Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position location systems in wireless communication networks face challenges in accurately determining the location of assets within indoor environments without relying on satellite positioning, particularly in peer-to-peer networks where asset tags need to perform ranging operations efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The system enables a position location method and apparatus where asset tags receive requests from access points to perform ranging operations, transmitting and receiving ranging pilot signals over dedicated links to estimate their position, with the access points or position location server determining the asset tags' location based on time of arrival measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If asset tags continuously transmit and receive signals for position tracking, then location accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic ranging operations where asset tags alternately transmit and listen for ranging signals at scheduled intervals. The access point coordinates these periodic exchanges, allowing tags to remain in low-power state between ranging events while still maintaining location tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point performs the majority of positioning computations and signal processing centrally, allowing asset tags to operate with minimal processing power. Tags simply transmit their identifiers and receive ranging measurements, while the access point calculates positions using received signal strength indicators and time of arrival measurements.
2Productivity
If multiple asset tags perform simultaneous ranging operations, then positioning efficiency is improved, but signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ranging operation into distinct time slots and sequences, where asset tags take turns transmitting and receiving ranging signals. The access point schedules these segmented operations to avoid simultaneous transmissions that would cause interference, while still maintaining high positioning efficiency through parallel processing of multiple tags.
3Area of stationary object
If asset tags use satellite positioning systems, then global coverage is improved, but indoor positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access point acts as an intermediary between satellite positioning infrastructure and indoor asset tags. It receives satellite-based position data and combines it with local wireless signal measurements (WiFi, Bluetooth) to compute accurate indoor positions, bridging the gap between global satellite coverage and local precision requirements.
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 reduces power consumption at asset tags, allows for accurate range measurements, and extends battery life by separating messaging and positioning functions across different air interfaces, enhancing location tracking accuracy and efficiency in indoor settings.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, by the first asset tag, a first ranging pilot signal on a ranging link
Implementation Method 2
receiving, by the first asset tag, a second ranging pilot signal on the ranging link
Implementation Method 3
determining a range between the first asset tag and the second asset tag based on the first ranging signal and the second ranging signal
Data Source
AI summary
A position location method includes receiving, over a messaging link, a request from an access point of a position location system to perform a ranging operation between a first asset tag and a second asset tag. The method also includes transmitting, by the first asset tag, a first ranging pilot signal on a ranging link to enable the ranging operation between the first asset tag and the second asset tag. The method further includes receiving, by the first asset tag, a second ranging pilot signal on the ranging link from the second asset tag.