Collaborative Positioning Using Multiple Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in accurately determining the location of external devices, especially when they are far away, due to deteriorated coverage and accuracy in positioning operations using single devices, and limitations in obtaining direction information.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device that uses a plurality of devices to transmit and receive positioning signals, identifying separation distances and angles of arrival to determine the location of an external device within overlapping regions defined by these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If positioning is performed using a single electronic device, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates when the external device is located at a farther distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electronic devices (first electronic device and second electronic device) into a collaborative positioning system. Each device performs positioning measurements independently, and the results are merged to determine the final location of the external device, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to positioning by involving multiple devices in the measurement process. Instead of relying on a single device's limited measurement range, the system uses measurements from multiple devices at different positions to triangulate the external device's location, effectively extending the coverage area.
2Area of stationary object
If positioning is performed using a single electronic device, then the device complexity is low, but the coverage area is limited and accuracy deteriorates at farther distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning capabilities of multiple electronic devices to expand the overall coverage area. Each device contributes its measurement data, and by combining these data sources, the system achieves broader coverage and maintains accuracy over extended distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the positioning task across multiple devices, where each device independently performs measurements within its own operational range. This segmentation allows the system to cover a larger total area by aggregating the individual measurement zones of multiple devices.
3Loss of information
If only one electronic device performs positioning, then the system is simple to operate, but direction information cannot be obtained for external devices at distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines direction information from multiple electronic devices to obtain comprehensive location data. By merging the angular and distance measurements from multiple devices, the system can accurately determine both the direction and position of external devices at various distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the second electronic device as an intermediary to obtain additional measurement data. This intermediary device provides supplementary direction and distance information that complements the measurements from the first device, enabling complete location determination.
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
This method enhances the accuracy and efficiency of location identification for external devices by using multiple devices to improve positioning operations, reducing errors and providing more precise location information.
Implementation Method 1
transmit a first positioning signal to a first external electronic device and receive a first response signal corresponding to the first positioning signal from the first external electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device that performs a positioning operation is disclosed. The electronic device may comprise: a wireless communication circuit, at least one processor, and a memory. The electronic device may be configured to: transmit a first positioning signal to a first external electronic device by the wireless communication circuit; receive, from the first external electronic device, a first response signal corresponding to the first positioning signal; identify a first separation distance and an angle of arrival based on the first response signal; transmit, based on determining that the first separation distance exceeds a specified value, a second positioning signal to a second external electronic device; receive, from the second external electronic device, a second response signal corresponding to the second positioning signal; identify a second separation distance based on the second response signal; and determine that the first external electronic device is located in a first radial area corresponding to the first separation distance, a second radial area corresponding to the second separation distance, and an overlapping area of an area corresponding to the angle of arrival.