IoT Device Positioning via Sound and Radio Time Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack an effective method for accurately measuring the relative positions of electronic devices in IoT environments, particularly in scenarios where direct human intervention is not possible, such as in smart home or smart city applications.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a speaker, microphone, and wireless communication unit can measure distances using sound and radio signals, determining the relative positions of other devices by calculating the difference in arrival times of these signals, and subsequently transmit this information for topology determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods are used in IoT environments, then device positions cannot be accurately measured, but the patent introduces sound and radio signal-based distance measurement to achieve precise position determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sound signals and radio signals as intermediary carriers to transmit distance measurement information between devices. The sound signal serves as a mediator that propagates through the environment, allowing devices to calculate distances based on arrival time differences without requiring direct complex communication protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or direct electronic positioning systems with an acoustic field-based measurement system. By using sound wave propagation and arrival time detection, the system achieves position measurement without complex mechanical positioning infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If sound signals are used for distance measurement, then position determination accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases due to additional signal transmission and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sound signal serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a distance measurement carrier and a presence detection signal. The same sound signal transmission is used for both measuring distance to other devices and detecting whether devices are within range, eliminating the need for separate signaling protocols and reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural propagation characteristics of sound waves in the environment to perform measurements. Devices passively detect sound signals from other devices and calculate distances based on arrival times, without requiring active transmission from all devices simultaneously. This self-service approach reduces the energy burden on individual devices
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 method enables precise determination of device positions and topologies within IoT environments, facilitating advanced applications like smart home automation and smart city services without the need for human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a speaker for generating sound waves
Implementation Method 2
a microphone for detecting the sound waves
Implementation Method 3
a wireless communication unit for communicating with other electronic devices
Implementation Method 4
the processor of the electronic device may calculate a distance to another electronic device based on a time difference between the radio waves and the sound waves
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for sensor network, Machine to Machine (M2M), Machine Type Communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) is provided. A method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes receiving data for distance measurement between devices, wherein the electronic device is a first device among the devices, and determining positions of the devices using distances between the devices determined based on the data.