Bluetooth 5.1 Position Detection Using AoA and AoD

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Bluetooth-based position detection techniques lack accuracy in determining the distance and position between devices, necessitating a more precise method for effective position detection.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an information processing apparatus and method utilizing Bluetooth 5.1 technology with multiple antennas for direction detection, employing angle of arrival (AoA) and angle of departure (AoD) calculations, along with antenna layout information transmission, to enhance position detection accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional Bluetooth signal strength measurement is used for position detection, then the implementation is simple, but the position detection accuracy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from measuring only signal strength (RSSI) to measuring multiple parameters including angle of arrival (AoA) and angle of departure (AoD) using multiple antennas. This parameter expansion enables more accurate position detection by capturing spatial information from multiple dimensions, directly resolving the accuracy limitation of conventional single-parameter methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces angular dimensions (AoA and AoD) to complement the traditional distance-based RSSI measurement. By adding these angular parameters, the system transforms from one-dimensional distance estimation to multi-dimensional spatial positioning, significantly improving position detection accuracy while maintaining practical implementability through Bluetooth 5.1 technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple antennas are used for AoA and AoD calculations, then position detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidantenna system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes both transmitting and receiving devices capable of performing AoA and AoD measurements with multiple antennas. This universal multi-functional design allows either device to initiate accurate position detection without requiring specialized hardware configurations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables each device to independently perform position detection calculations using its own multiple antennas and the standard Bluetooth 5.1 protocol. Devices self-configure and self-measure without requiring external specialized equipment or complex centralized processing, simplifying the system architecture while achieving accurate position detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3745698B1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and position detection system
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 CANON KK
  • EP3745698B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3745698B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3745698B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an information processing apparatus configured to execute communication with a communication apparatus including a plurality of antennas, comprising: communication unit for receiving a signal transmitted from each of the plurality of antennas of the communication apparatus; acquisition unit for acquiring information concerning a distance between the plurality of antennas of the communication apparatus, which is included in the received signal; and identifying unit for identifying information concerning an angle between the information processing apparatus and the communication apparatus based on the acquired information concerning the distance between the plurality of antennas.