Differentiated UWB TDoA for Private, Battery-Efficient Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UWB ranging technologies face challenges in providing accurate location tracking for mobile devices while maintaining battery efficiency and ensuring user anonymity, particularly in complex networking environments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing UWB anchors and user devices that enable anonymous location sharing through differentiated time-difference of arrival (TDoA) computations, with mechanisms for authorized access and differential accuracy, ensuring user privacy and efficient battery usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UWB ranging is used to improve location accuracy, then location precision is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location tracking functionality by introducing anonymous location tokens that separate the identity information from the location measurement process. User devices can obtain location services using these anonymous tokens without continuously activating their UWB radios for identity verification, thereby reducing battery consumption while maintaining location accuracy through periodic anonymous ranging measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of UWB by implementing different accuracy levels (e.g., 1-meter accuracy vs. 10-meter accuracy) that correspond to different battery consumption levels. Users can select their preferred accuracy level, and the system adjusts the ranging frequency and precision accordingly, allowing location accuracy to be improved only when necessary while conserving battery power during normal operation.
2Measurement precision
If location tracking is implemented to improve positioning capability, then location service functionality is improved, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the user's identity information from the location tracking process by introducing anonymous location tokens. These tokens contain only the necessary information for location measurement without any personally identifiable information. The system can track and service locations using these extracted anonymous identifiers, maintaining positioning capability while preserving user privacy by leaving the actual identity information separate and protected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces anonymous location tokens as intermediaries between the user device and the location service system. These tokens act as mediators that enable location tracking without directly exposing user identity. The tokens can be redeemed or verified by authorized services without revealing the underlying user identity, thus maintaining positioning capability while protecting privacy through this intermediary layer.
3Reliability
If anonymous location tokens are used to improve user privacy, then privacy protection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements anonymous location tokens with multi-functionality that reduces system complexity. The same token structure serves multiple purposes: it enables anonymous location measurement, acts as a redeemable identifier for authorized services, and can be validated without revealing user identity. This universal token design consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single mechanism, improving privacy protection while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
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 precise location tracking with user anonymity and battery conservation, while allowing differential accuracy and secure access control in restricted areas.
Implementation Method 1
A position of the user device on the venue may be determined from the ranging message
Data Source
AI summary
Differentiated time-difference of arrival for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) may be provided. A location tracking information for a venue may be broadcasted. Broadcasting the location tracking information may include notifying a user device that a location information is expected from the user device and providing an entity identity of an entity seeking the location information from the user device. A ranging message may then be received from the user device in response to the user device detecting the location tracking information. A position of the user device on the venue may be determined from the ranging message.