Attachable UWB Accessory for Wireless Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies for secure, spatial location applications face challenges in providing precise positioning and secure communication for short-range, high-bandwidth communications, particularly in environments where energy efficiency and compatibility with existing devices are concerns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a UWB accessory for wireless devices, which includes a UWB radio, Bluetooth (BT) and/or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radios, and NFC, enabling UWB communications, precise location positioning, and secure access through a detachable key fob or security badge functionality, utilizing out-of-band communications for power efficiency and compatibility with existing smartphone technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UWB technology is implemented for precise positioning and secure communication, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a UWB accessory as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between existing wireless devices and UWB technology. The accessory includes a UWB radio interface that communicates with the wireless device through an existing wireless connection (such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), enabling precise positioning and secure communication capabilities without requiring the wireless device itself to consume additional energy for UWB operations. The accessory handles the energy-intensive UWB processing independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UWB accessory is integrated with wireless device, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UWB functionality into a separate, detachable accessory rather than integrating it directly into the wireless device. This segmentation allows the wireless device to gain enhanced functionality through the accessory while maintaining its original simplicity. The accessory operates as an independent module that can be attached or removed as needed, avoiding permanent complexity additions to the core wireless device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The UWB accessory is designed to work with multiple types of wireless devices through standard wireless communication protocols. The accessory provides universal compatibility by implementing common interfaces (such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) that can connect to various wireless devices, enabling one accessory to enhance multiple different device types without requiring device-specific customization.
3Ease of operation
If attachable UWB accessory is used for UWB communications, then ease of operation and compatibility are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standardized, homogeneous connection interfaces between the UWB accessory and wireless devices. By using common wireless communication protocols (such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) and standard physical connection methods, the accessory can be manufactured with conventional precision levels while ensuring broad compatibility. The homogeneous interface design avoids the need for custom, high-precision manufacturing procedures.
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
Enables accurate and energy-efficient UWB ranging data communication, enhancing spatial awareness and security in smart environments, supporting applications like augmented reality and secure access control with reduced power consumption and seamless integration with existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
UWB utilizes double-sided, two-way ranging between devices and provides for highly precise positioning, within 10 cm of ranging accuracy in as little as three degrees of precision through time-of-flight (ToF) and angle-of-arrival (AoA) measurements
Implementation Method 2
a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) interface configured to interface the attachable UWB accessory with the wireless device
Data Source
AI summary
In aspects of UWB accessory for a wireless device, an attachable ultra-wideband (UWB) accessory includes a UWB radio to communicate with UWB radios in an environment. The attachable UWB accessory has one or more wireless interfaces to wirelessly communicate with radio devices of a wireless device to which the UWB accessory is attached. The attachable UWB accessory can also include a micro-controller that receives UWB ranging data from the UWB radios, and may determine a location of the wireless device in the environment based on the UWB ranging data. The attachable UWB accessory may utilize Bluetooth low energy (BLE) for UWB out-of-band communications. A wireless device can be implemented with the attachable UWB accessory, and the wireless device has a BLE interface to interface with the UWB accessory.