Mobile UWB Sensing for 3D Tag Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional indoor positioning systems face challenges with low accuracy and high costs, especially in cluttered environments, and require expensive and cumbersome infrastructure for UWB-based localization.

Innovation Solution

A mobile sensing infrastructure using ultra-wideband receivers and a structured mobile platform with two sensors in fixed positions to detect angle of arrival signals from static and mobile tags, allowing for cost-effective and accurate localization of objects in 3D space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional fixed UWB sensors are used for localization, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional localization architecture by making tags stationary and sensors mobile. Instead of fixed sensors detecting mobile tags, the system uses mobile sensors to detect stationary tags, fundamentally reversing the roles and eliminating the need for complex fixed infrastructure while maintaining localization accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multiple mobile sensors that can be deployed temporarily to capture localization data from stationary tags. These mobile sensors act as portable copies of the sensing capability, eliminating the need for permanent fixed sensor installations while achieving the same measurement objectives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If AOA sensors with sensor arrays are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor array complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex AOA sensor arrays to detect signal direction, the patent inverts the approach by having stationary tags transmit signals and mobile sensors with known positions calculate tag locations using TOA measurements. This eliminates the need for complex AOA hardware while achieving equivalent localization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/AOA-based signal direction detection system with a computational approach using TOA measurements and position calculations. Instead of physically detecting signal arrival angles through sensor arrays, the system computationally determines locations based on time-based measurements and known sensor positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If mobile sensing infrastructure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure simplicityVSAvoidlocalization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves high measurement precision with mobile sensors by inverting the conventional approach: stationary tags provide stable reference points while mobile sensors with known positions and orientations perform TOA measurements. The system calculates tag locations by combining TOA data from multiple mobile sensor positions, achieving accuracy comparable to fixed sensor systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enhances measurement precision by utilizing the temporal dimension through multiple measurements taken at different mobile sensor positions and times. By collecting TOA data across multiple positions and performing statistical processing, the system achieves high accuracy without requiring complex fixed infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 infrastructure costs, enhances accuracy, and enables robust localization in complex environments by leveraging AOA data and constrained motion of the mobile platform, providing precise 3D positioning and orientation.

Implementation Method 1

Each receiver module is configured to detect an angle of arrival (AOA) of a signal from a transmitting mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngle of Arrival (AOA):

Implementation Method 2

a transmitting mechanism includes an ultra-wideband transmitter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation:

Data Source

PatentUS8098150B2Method and system for locating devices with embedded location tags

Publication Date: 2012.01.17 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that locates a set of target transmitting mechanism using a mobile sensing infrastructure. During operation, the system determines a reference frame of a sensing mechanism by detecting signals from at least two transmitting mechanisms. The system further determines locations of the target transmitting mechanism relative to the reference frame using the sensing mechanism. In addition, the system produces a result to indicate the locations of the target transmitting mechanisms.