BLE HADM Distance Measurement Under Limited AP Line of Sight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Bluetooth®-enabled device location methods, such as High Accuracy Distance Measurement (HADM), are limited by the requirement of a minimum number of access points in line of sight, making it difficult to establish communication connections in unfavorable network configurations and environments.
Innovation Solution
An algorithm that selects the optimal locating method, including HADM, AoA, and AoD, based on network configuration and environmental surroundings, using a network device with dual cores and antennas to determine the location of Bluetooth®-enabled devices, regardless of the network's AP mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If HADM method is used to achieve high accuracy distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirement of minimum number of APs in line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic method selection that adapts to changing network conditions. The system evaluates environmental factors, AP availability, and line-of-sight conditions in real-time to choose the most appropriate locating method (HADM, AoA, AoD, or RSSI), thereby maintaining high measurement precision when conditions permit while reducing complexity when they don't.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different measuring methods based on network configuration and environmental conditions. When HADM conditions are met (sufficient APs in line of sight), it uses that method for highest precision; when conditions change, it transitions to alternative methods with different requirements, effectively adjusting the measurement approach to match current parameters.
2Reliability
If multiple measuring methods are implemented to ensure location accuracy in all environments, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic algorithm selection that adapts to environmental conditions. Rather than rigidly implementing all measuring methods simultaneously, the system dynamically evaluates which method is most appropriate for current conditions (AP density, line-of-sight availability, environmental obstructions) and selects the optimal approach, ensuring reliability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces a complex mechanical implementation of all measuring methods with an intelligent selection algorithm. Instead of always using the most complex method (HADM) or a fixed simple method, the algorithm substitutes mechanical rigidity with adaptive intelligence, choosing the appropriate measuring method based on real-time environmental assessment.
3Measurement precision
If HADM method is used to achieve high accuracy distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to network configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary environmental assessment and AP evaluation before initiating the locating process. By pre-evaluating which APs are available, their line-of-sight status, and environmental conditions, the system can quickly determine the appropriate measuring method and initiate the process, avoiding delays associated with trying HADM when conditions don't permit it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the locating process based on real-time conditions. When HADM conditions are met, it uses that high-precision method; when conditions change or are unfavorable, it transitions to alternative methods that can operate with fewer requirements, thereby reducing the time needed to establish accurate location without sacrificing precision when conditions allow.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for locating a client device in a network using Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) is described herein. Upon determining an access point (AP) connected to the client device, an antenna of a network device may be selected based on an antenna polarization of the client device. A first and second channel frequencies for the client device may be selected. A first and second phase measurements may be determined based on the first and second channel frequencies. A distance of the client device from the AP may be determined according to a frequency difference between the first and second channel frequencies and a phase difference between the first and second phase measurements. An angle of direction of the client device to the AP may be determined. A location of the client device may be determined according to the distance and the angle of direction.