Multi-radio Device Ranging with Multiple Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless ranging techniques using a single access point provide limited accuracy and do not offer insights into the orientation or alignment of the device.
Innovation Solution
A device initiates simultaneous ranging with multiple access points using different radios, transmitting a message to each access point and receiving responses at different times to determine its location based on the differential time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single access point is used for wireless ranging, then the device complexity is reduced, but the location accuracy and orientation insight are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ranging operations with multiple access points into a single coordinated process. The device simultaneously transmits ranging messages to multiple access points and collects their responses, merging what would otherwise be separate ranging operations into one unified location determination process that improves accuracy without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-access-point ranging to multi-access-point ranging, adding the dimension of multiple reference points. This dimensional expansion enables the device to calculate both location and orientation/alignment information by analyzing the differential times of flight across multiple spatial references
2Loss of information
If a single access point is used for wireless ranging, then the operation simplicity is maintained, but the orientation and alignment insight is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes feedback from multiple access points in the form of ranging responses containing time information. By analyzing the differential times at which responses are received from multiple access points, the device can infer orientation and alignment information, transforming simple location measurement into a richer multi-parameter determination
3Measurement precision
If multiple access points are used for simultaneous ranging, then the location accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having the device transmit ranging messages to multiple access points simultaneously before receiving responses. This preliminary simultaneous transmission setup enables the device to use differential time measurements from subsequent responses to calculate both location and orientation, achieving improved measurement precision through a structured multi-step process
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 provides more accurate location determination and additional insights into the orientation and alignment of the device compared to existing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The device may use the time of flight for the message and the response and the location of the access point to determine the location of the device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a device that initiates ranging with multiple access points simultaneously using different radios. The device includes a first radio and a second radio. The device transmits, at a first time and using the first radio, a message to a first access point, transmits, at the first time and using the second radio, the message to a second access point different from the first access point, receives, at a second time after the first time and from the first access point, a first response to the message, receives, at a third time after the first time and from the second access point, a second response to the message, and determines, based on the second time and the third time, a location of the device.