Multi-Beacon Localization Using Frequency-Divided UWB Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing localization methods for transmitters using ultra-wideband signals face challenges such as signal overlap, high hardware and energy consumption, complex synchronization requirements, and limited accuracy, especially when multiple transmitters are involved, making simultaneous tracking and data transmission difficult and costly.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing a holographic extended Kalman filter with frequency division multiplexing, where each transmitter operates in a distinct frequency band, allowing simultaneous transmission and reception without synchronization, and incorporating phase-based methods for precise position and movement determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ultra-wideband signals are used for localization of multiple transmitters, then distance measurement is enabled, but signal overlap occurs in the frequency range requiring considerable effort for signal assignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidsignal separation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency spectrum is segmented into multiple sub-bands, with each transmitter assigned a specific sub-band. This segmentation allows multiple transmitters to transmit simultaneously without signal overlap, as each transmitter's signals are confined to its designated frequency portion. The receiver then processes each sub-band separately to locate the corresponding transmitter, eliminating the need for complex signal separation algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If time-interleaving is used to separate signals of multiple transmitters, then signal separation is achieved, but simultaneous transmission is not possible and complex coordination is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal separationVSAvoidsimultaneous tracking capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of separating transmitters in the time domain (time-interleaving), the invention moves to the frequency domain by assigning distinct frequency sub-bands to each transmitter. This dimensional change allows all transmitters to transmit simultaneously without interference, as their signals occupy different frequency dimensions. The receiver processes each frequency sub-band independently to simultaneously determine the position, attitude, speed, and acceleration of all transmitters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If time synchronisation is implemented for localisation procedures, then positioning accuracy is improved, but great effort is required for coordination and synchronisation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsynchronisation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency spectrum is divided into separate sub-bands for each transmitter, which inherently provides frequency division multiplexing. This segmentation eliminates the need for time synchronisation between transmitters, as each transmitter operates independently in its assigned frequency sub-band. The receiver can process signals from all transmitters simultaneously without requiring coordinated timing, significantly reducing synchronisation complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If continuous tracking of small shifts over the phase is performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By assigning distinct frequency sub-bands to each transmitter, the system can process signals from multiple transmitters simultaneously without interference. This frequency-domain segmentation allows the receiver to independently track phase shifts for each transmitter in its assigned sub-band, improving tracking accuracy for small shifts while reducing overall computational complexity compared to processing all transmitters' signals simultaneously in a mixed frequency spectrum.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 simultaneous, accurate, and energy-efficient localization and data transmission of multiple transmitters, supporting applications like sports tracking and medical diagnostics with reduced hardware and computational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the transmitter of the beacon is designed to emit electromagnetic waves in a frequency band and the receiver has means designed to receive the waves and to determine a position, orientation and/or movement of the beacon therefrom

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250370081A1System, method, computer program and computer-readable medium
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 FRIEDRICH ALEXANDER UNIV ERLANGEN NUERNBERG
  • US20250370081A1 patent drawing
  • US20250370081A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system for determining the position, the orientation and/or the movement of a beacon, said system comprising at least one receiver and one beacon, the beacon comprising a transmitter, the transmitter of the beacon being designed to emit electromagnetic waves in a frequency band and the receiver having means which are designed to receive the waves and to determine a position, orientation and/or movement of the beacon therefrom, the system having at least one further beacon, the frequency band of the transmitter of the further beacon or the frequency bands of the transmitters of the further beacons differing from the frequency band of the transmitter of the beacon.