Communication Device Phase Difference Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase difference ranging methods for wireless communication devices face scalability issues as they require bidirectional communication with multiple anchor nodes, leading to limitations in the number of devices that can be accurately positioned simultaneously, privacy concerns, and high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A communication device that listens to bidirectional ranging communications between node pairs, using phase measurements to estimate the difference in distance between the device and the node pair, allowing for hyperbolic positioning without the need for bidirectional communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bidirectional phase difference ranging is used to achieve accurate position estimation, then position accuracy is improved, but the number of devices that can be positioned simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ranging process into unidirectional measurements where devices measure phases of signals from anchor nodes independently, rather than requiring complete bidirectional communication sessions. This segmentation allows multiple devices to perform measurements simultaneously without interfering with each other's positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Anchor nodes serve as intermediaries that transmit measurement signals to multiple communication devices simultaneously. The devices independently measure the phases of these signals and compute their positions, eliminating the need for direct bidirectional communication between each device pair and enabling scalable simultaneous positioning.
2Measurement precision
If bidirectional communication is established for phase difference ranging, then position estimation is achieved, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Anchor nodes act as privacy-protecting intermediaries by transmitting only public measurement signals rather than device-specific identifying information. Devices measure phases of these signals and compute positions without exposing their identity or location to other devices, maintaining privacy while achieving accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple devices independently measure and compute their own position copies from the same anchor node signals, rather than one device determining another's position. This independent computation preserves privacy while achieving the positioning function for all devices simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If continuous bidirectional ranging communication is performed, then position accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous bidirectional communication, the system uses periodic unidirectional signal transmissions from anchor nodes that multiple devices can measure simultaneously. Devices perform phase measurements on these periodic signals and compute positions without requiring continuous active communication sessions, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If multiple measurements at different frequencies are performed to combat multipath effects, then ranging accuracy is improved, but communication time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-frequency measurement process into independent parallel operations where devices measure phases at different frequencies simultaneously rather than sequentially. This segmentation allows the system to combat multipath effects through diverse frequency measurements without proportionally increasing total measurement time, as devices can process multiple frequency measurements in parallel.
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
Enables a larger number of communication devices to perform phase difference ranging while ensuring user privacy and reducing power consumption by eliminating the need for bidirectional communication and allowing for more efficient use of spectrum resources.
Implementation Method 1
measure a first phase of a first measurement signal transmitted by a first node to a second node, measure a second phase of a second measurement signal transmitted by the second node to the first node
Data Source
AI summary
Communication device comprising circuitry configured to measure a first phase of a first measurement signal transmitted by a first node to a second node, measure a second phase of a second measurement signal transmitted by the second node to the first node, repeat the measurements of the first and second phases one or more times, receive phase information from the first node and/or the second node, the phase information including third phase information acquired by the second node from measurements of a third phase of the first measurement signals and/or fourth phase information acquired by the first node from measurements of a fourth phase of the second measurement signals, and estimate a distance difference using the measured first and second phases and the received phase information.