Assistant Device Ranging for Extended UAV Swarm Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ranging-based services are limited by device capabilities and regulations, restricting the effective ranging distance due to size, weight, cost, and battery constraints, particularly in applications like UAV swarms where longer distances are needed for reliable communication and coordination.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using at least one assistant device, such as a UE or BS, to assist in ranging between communication devices, enabling ranging services beyond the capabilities of a single terminal device by providing ranging information to extend the effective ranging distance without RF improvements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct ranging is performed between two communication devices, then ranging accuracy is maintained, but the effective ranging distance is limited by device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an assistant communication device as an intermediary to enable indirect ranging between two communication devices. The assistant device receives ranging requests, performs measurements, and relays ranging information back to the requesting device, thereby extending the effective ranging distance beyond direct device capabilities while maintaining ranging accuracy through the relayed measurement data
2Weight of moving object
If device size and weight are reduced to meet portability requirements, then device portability is improved, but ranging capability is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The assistant communication device serves as a mediator that compensates for the limited ranging capability of lightweight, portable devices. By delegating ranging measurements to the assistant device, the system maintains accurate ranging functionality without requiring the portable device to have advanced (and heavier) ranging hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The assistant communication device performs multiple functions including receiving ranging requests, performing ranging measurements, storing ranging information, and relaying data back to requesting devices. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to support ranging for multiple different communication devices, reducing the need for each device to have full ranging capabilities
3Weight of moving object
If battery capacity is reduced to meet portability requirements, then device portability is improved, but ranging operation duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The assistant communication device, which can have larger battery capacity, performs the actual ranging measurements and stores ranging information locally. This eliminates the need for the portable device to continuously perform power-intensive ranging operations, thereby extending the effective ranging operation duration without requiring the portable device to have large battery capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The assistant communication device pre-performs ranging measurements and stores ranging information in advance. When a portable device needs ranging data, it can retrieve the pre-computed information without performing new measurements, thereby extending ranging operation duration with minimal power consumption from the portable device
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a first communication device includes transmitting, to a second communication device, a request to assist in a ranging between the first communication device and a third communication device. The method also includes receiving, from the second communication device, a response to the request. The method further includes based on ranging information comprised in the response, wherein the ranging information is associated with the second communication device for assisting with the ranging between the first and third communication devices, providing a first ranging with the third communication device via the second communication device.