Bluetooth-Assisted UWB Ranging to Prevent Multi-Device Collisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UWB communication systems face challenges with high power consumption and increased collisions due to simultaneous responses from multiple devices, leading to reduced accuracy and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with both Bluetooth and UWB communication circuits shares communication quality information to determine the best device for UWB communication, reducing collisions and power consumption by allowing exclusive responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic devices perform UWB ranging simultaneously by broadcasting signals and receiving responses, then the coverage and connectivity are improved, but collisions occur between responses and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having electronic devices share Bluetooth communication quality information before performing UWB ranging. Devices use this advance information to determine whether to respond to UWB ranging requests, preventing collisions before they occur. The quality sharing mechanism allows devices to pre-assess communication conditions and make informed decisions about participation in UWB ranging, thereby maintaining accuracy while preserving connectivity.
2Speed
If UWB communication module is continuously activated to maintain communication readiness, then the response time and availability are improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the UWB communication module's activation state adjustable rather than fixed. The module transitions between active and inactive states based on Bluetooth communication quality conditions. When quality exceeds a threshold, the module remains active for fast response; when quality is poor, it enters inactive state to conserve battery. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between response time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the UWB communication module based on Bluetooth communication quality metrics. By monitoring Bluetooth signal strength and communication conditions, the system adjusts UWB module activation status, transmission power levels, and ranging frequency. This parameter-based control allows the system to optimize between responsiveness and power consumption according to real-time conditions.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If response waiting time is increased to reduce collisions between simultaneous responses, then collision rate decreases, but ranging accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring Bluetooth communication quality and using this information to control UWB ranging response behavior. Devices receive feedback about channel conditions and adjust their response timing and participation accordingly. This feedback loop eliminates the need for extended waiting times, as devices dynamically adapt their response strategies based on real-time communication quality assessments, maintaining both low collision rates and high ranging accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device comprising: a first communication circuit configured to support communication according to a Bluetooth protocol; a second communication circuit configured to support communication according to an ultra-wideband (UWB) protocol; a processor; and a memory. The electronic device can be configured to: receive a first signal from a second external electronic device; transmit, to at least one first external electronic device, first quality information related to communication with the second external electronic device; receive, from the at least one first external electronic device, second quality information related to communication between the at least one first external electronic device and the second external electronic device; and, based on the first quality information and the second quality information, determine, from among the electronic device and the at least one first external electronic device, a device to communicate with the second external electronic device on the basis of the UWB protocol.