Collaborative UWB Ranging for Device Localization Beyond FoV
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device localization methods, such as UWB ranging, are hindered by environmental factors like obstacles and distance, leading to inaccurate or unavailable location measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and electronic device for coverage extension through collaborative ranging, leveraging existing devices in the environment, such as smart plugs and appliances, to provide location information when direct UWB ranging is not possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct UWB ranging is used for device localization, then measurement precision is improved, but coverage area is limited by obstacles and distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary devices (environmental devices such as smart plugs, smart lights, and appliances) that act as mediators between the user device and the target device. When direct UWB ranging is blocked by obstacles or exceeded by distance, the user device queries these environmental devices for location information about the target device, enabling indirect localization and extending coverage beyond direct line-of-sight limitations.
2Area of stationary object
If collaborative ranging with multiple environmental devices is implemented, then coverage area is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where environmental devices autonomously store and maintain location information about target devices they have detected. When queried by a user device, these devices automatically provide their stored location data without requiring complex real-time coordination or computation, thereby extending coverage while keeping individual device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having environmental devices pre-detect and store location information about target devices in advance. This preliminary localization data is cached in the environmental devices, so when a user needs to locate a target device, the information is already available, eliminating the need for complex real-time multi-device coordination and reducing system complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If environmental devices are used for indirect localization, then coverage area is extended, but measurement precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the user device receives location information from environmental devices and uses this data to determine the target device's location. The system provides feedback by querying multiple environmental devices and aggregating their location reports, allowing the user device to calculate the target device's position even when direct ranging is not available, thus extending coverage while maintaining reasonable accuracy through collective information.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for localizing a target device (TD) by a user device (UD) includes determining whether the TD is within a range and within a field-of-view (FoV) of the UD based on a UWB channel between the TD and the UD. In response to a determination that the TD is outside the range and not within the FoV, the method includes identifying a first electronic device. The method also includes transmitting, to the first electronic device, a request for localizing the TD using an out-of-band channel. The method further includes receiving, from the first electronic device, location information of the TD on the out-of-band channel. The location information represents a candidate location of the TD in a coordinate system of the first or a second electronic device. Additionally, the method includes identifying a TD location with respect to a coordinate system of the UD based on the candidate location.