Device Proximity Detection Using Signal Time of Arrival
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication technologies rely heavily on networks for device-to-device communication, which can be hindered by network congestion or coverage limitations, and existing location methods are battery-intensive, dependent on network support, and unreliable in certain environments, especially for determining proximity between devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses signal time of arrival measurements, such as Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (LPP) and Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocols, to determine the distance between devices and enable or disable device-to-device communication, allowing devices to communicate directly without network assistance when in proximity, and using relative location methods to support proximity services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network-based communication is used, then communication coverage is provided, but network congestion and coverage limitations hinder communication reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the network infrastructure by enabling direct device-to-device communication. Devices can establish peer-to-peer connections without requiring network routing, thereby eliminating network congestion and coverage limitations as barriers to communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces proximity services as an intermediary mechanism that enables devices to discover and communicate with each other based on relative location information. This intermediary layer facilitates direct communication while maintaining network awareness, allowing devices to switch between network and direct modes as needed.
2Measurement precision
If existing location methods (A-GNSS) are used, then absolute location is obtained, but battery intensity increases and network support is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using energy-intensive satellite-based methods to determine absolute locations, the patent inverts the approach by having devices measure relative locations through local signal exchange. Each device measures the time of arrival of signals from the other device, calculating distance based on local clock synchronization rather than relying on external satellite infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The location measurement system serves itself by using the devices' own transmitted and received signals for positioning. Devices utilize their existing communication hardware and synchronized clocks to perform mutual location determination without requiring external positioning infrastructure or additional energy-intensive processing.
3Measurement precision
If existing location methods are used, then location data is obtained, but reliability decreases in indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces satellite-based geometric positioning with a direct electromagnetic signal measurement system. By measuring the time of arrival of radio signals exchanged between devices and calculating distance based on signal propagation speed, the system achieves reliable proximity detection independent of environmental factors like indoor structures that block satellite signals.
4Productivity
If direct device-to-device communication is enabled, then network load is reduced, but communication is limited to nearby devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic communication mode selection system that adapts between direct device-to-device mode and network-based mode based on real-time conditions. Devices continuously monitor their relative locations and communication quality, switching modes as needed to optimize both network efficiency and communication accessibility.
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 approach reduces network load, enhances communication reliability, and improves proximity detection accuracy, enabling efficient direct peer-to-peer communication and proximity services even in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
determining a first time of arrival for a first signal from a first base station sent to the second device via the first device, determining a second time of arrival for a second signal sent directly from a second base station to the second device
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for communicating from device to device are described. Device to Device (D2D) communication may bypass use of a network when devices are in communicable proximity of each other. Knowledge of the relative locations of devices that either are already in D2D mode or are not yet in D2D mode but are capable of using D2D mode may be useful. Therefore, various techniques are described for determining distance between two or more devices. Relative locations may also be used to determine the proximity of two devices for some proximity service of common interest.