Dual-Processor Bluetooth Ranging and Direction Finding With Raw I/Q
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Bluetooth Location Services produce inaccurate secure phase-based ranging and Direction Finding results due to low sampling rates, limited processing power, and lack of access to raw I/Q data, leading to non-optimal performance and restricted algorithm choices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Bluetooth system with two processors - a low-performance processor in the BT subsystem and a high-performance MCU - to enable high-bandwidth data transfer and customer-accessible raw I/Q data, allowing for enhanced secure phase-based ranging and Direction Finding procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If low sampling rate is used in conventional Bluetooth Location Services, then power consumption is reduced and device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision and location accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct processor components: a low-performance processor in the Bluetooth subsystem that handles basic operations at low sampling rates, and a high-performance MCU processor that performs advanced location calculations at high sampling rates. This segmentation allows each processor to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high accuracy without requiring the entire Bluetooth subsystem to be complex
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data transfer mechanism between the Bluetooth subsystem and the MCU, where raw I/Q data is transferred at high bandwidth. This intermediary high-speed data path enables the MCU to access high-quality location data without requiring the Bluetooth processor itself to be high-performance, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and complexity
2Productivity
If limited processing power is available in the Bluetooth subsystem, then device complexity and power consumption are reduced, but productivity and data processing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Processing tasks are segmented between two processors: the low-performance Bluetooth processor handles basic signal reception and initial processing with low power consumption, while the high-performance MCU handles computationally intensive location algorithms and high-sample-rate processing. This segmentation enables high productivity for location calculations while keeping the Bluetooth subsystem power-efficient
Solution Approach 2:
The Bluetooth subsystem operates autonomously at low power, performing self-service functions of signal reception and basic processing. The high-performance processing is offloaded to the MCU which can be activated only when location calculations are needed, allowing the system to maintain high processing capability when required while consuming minimal power during normal operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If access to raw I/Q data is restricted, then device complexity and security are simplified, but adaptability and algorithm flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled intermediary data transfer mechanism that provides selective access to raw I/Q data. The high-speed interface between the Bluetooth subsystem and MCU acts as an intermediary that can provide full data access to authorized algorithms while maintaining security and controlled access architecture. This enables custom algorithms to process raw data without requiring open access to the entire Bluetooth subsystem
Solution Approach 2:
The high-speed data transfer interface is designed as a universal mechanism that can serve multiple functions: transferring raw I/Q data for custom algorithms, transferring processed location data, and maintaining secure communication protocols. This multi-functional intermediary structure provides algorithm flexibility without requiring separate complex access paths for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for improving the accuracy of a secure phase-based ranging procedure and a Direction Finding procedure. The method includes receiving radio frequency signals from a second communication device. The method includes operating in a first mode including generating first location data based on the radio frequency signals and, transferring the first location data to a second processor in compliance with a Bluetooth Host Control Interface. The method includes comparing one or more conditions to one or more threshold values and responsive to the comparing transitioning from operating in the first mode to operating in a second mode. The method includes, while operating the second mode, generating second location data based on the radio frequency signals and, transferring the second location data to the second processor at a higher data transfer rate than the transferring of the first location data to the second processor.