Audio Positioning Activation for Privacy-Constrained Wireless Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving accurate positioning, particularly in environments where vision-based methods are restricted or prohibited for privacy reasons, and there is a need for energy-efficient alternatives that leverage existing infrastructure and user device components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating audio positioning techniques by activating audio positioning based on specific criteria, utilizing existing infrastructure and user device audio components to obtain accurate positioning information through audio measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vision-based positioning methods are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but privacy violations occur and deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vision-based positioning systems with audio-based positioning systems. Instead of using cameras and visual processing to determine location, the system uses audio sensors (microphones) to capture sound signals and calculates positioning information based on audio measurements such as time difference of arrival (TDOA) and angle difference of arrival (ADOA). This substitution eliminates the privacy violations associated with vision-based methods while maintaining positioning functionality.
2Measurement precision
If audio positioning is activated, then positioning accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic activation of audio positioning based on predefined criteria. The system continuously monitors conditions such as user location, available resources, and operational requirements to determine when audio positioning should be activated. When criteria are met (e.g., user enters a specific zone, high positioning accuracy is required), the system activates audio positioning; when criteria are not met, it remains inactive or uses alternative lower-energy positioning methods. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between positioning accuracy and energy consumption.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing infrastructure components are leveraged, then deployment costs are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing infrastructure components serve multiple functions. Audio sensors that were previously used solely for voice communication or audio conferencing are now also utilized for positioning purposes. The same microphones in smartphones, laptops, and other devices perform both their original functions and positioning measurements simultaneously. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for dedicated positioning hardware, reducing deployment costs while the system manages complexity through software-based processing and coordination.
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 positioning in environments where vision-based methods are restricted, reducing deployment costs by leveraging existing components and ensuring privacy compliance.
Implementation Method 1
the positioning information for the UE including audio measurement information... obtaining one or more measurements of radiofrequency (RF) signals... transmitting audio signals, detecting audio signals
Implementation Method 2
audio positioning techniques... audio measurements... audio signal information
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for audio positioning. In an aspect, a network entity may receive radiofrequency (RF) signaling from a user equipment (UE). The network entity may determine to activate audio positioning for the UE based on one or more criteria. The network entity may transmit audio positioning configuration information to the UE. The network entity may receive positioning information for the UE in accordance with the audio positioning configuration information, the positioning information for the UE including audio measurement information or a location estimate of the UE based on audio measurements.