Dynamic UWB Ranging Priorities for Synchronization Fairness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UWB-based communication systems face inefficiencies in scheduling multiple ranging sessions due to static priority schemes, leading to collisions and prolonged waiting times, especially when devices with lower priority are delayed in synchronization, affecting user experience.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a communication device with a prioritization unit that dynamically adjusts the priority of ranging sessions based on synchronization and scheduling states, using synchronization indicators to ensure fair scheduling and efficient resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If static priority schemes are used for scheduling ranging sessions, then high priority sessions can be handled efficiently, but lower priority sessions experience prolonged waiting times and collisions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling efficiencyVSAvoidwaiting time for lower priority sessions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic priority adjustment where the priority of ranging sessions is not fixed but changes based on synchronization state. When a lower priority session fails to synchronize within a predefined time window, its priority is automatically increased, allowing it to preempt higher priority sessions. This dynamic mechanism ensures that no session is indefinitely delayed, resolving the contradiction between handling high priority sessions efficiently and preventing prolonged waiting times for lower priority sessions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If high priority ranging sessions are scheduled continuously, then they complete quickly, but lower priority sessions are delayed and may miss synchronization opportunities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompletion speed of high priority sessionsVSAvoidsynchronization reliability of lower priority sessions
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism that monitors the synchronization status of each ranging session. When a lower priority session fails to synchronize within the predefined time window, the system detects this condition and triggers a priority increase. This feedback loop ensures that continuous scheduling of high priority sessions does not compromise the synchronization reliability of lower priority sessions, as the system automatically adjusts priorities based on actual synchronization outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If dynamic priority adjustment is implemented, then fair scheduling is achieved, but system complexity increases due to additional monitoring and adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefairness of schedulingVSAvoidcomplexity of priority management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces system complexity by pre-defining the time window for synchronization and the conditions for priority adjustment. Rather than implementing complex real-time analysis and decision-making mechanisms, the system uses predetermined thresholds and rules. When a session fails to synchronize within the predefined time window, the priority adjustment is automatically triggered according to pre-established criteria. This preliminary action approach maintains fairness while minimizing the complexity of the priority management system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4145174B1Communication device and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 NXP BV
  • EP4145174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4145174B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4145174B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit configured to enable UWB communication with at least one external communication device; a processing unit configured to perform a ranging session between the communication device and the external communication device, wherein said ranging session comprises one or more distance measurements based on messages exchanged between the communication device and the external communication device, wherein said messages are exchanged through the UWB communication unit; a prioritization unit configured to prioritize said ranging session using a synchronization indicator associated with said ranging session. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of operating a communication device is conceived. In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided for carrying out said method.