One-to-Many Ranging Using Non-Overlapping Response Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for determining range between electronic devices using one-to-one communications are inefficient due to unsynchronized internal clocks and potential data packet collisions, especially when multiple devices try to communicate with a single beacon, leading to missed ranging measurements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing one-to-many ranging techniques using ultra-wideband (UWB) pulses and a beacon device that defines non-overlapping response slots for multiple mobile devices to perform ranging measurements, allowing for efficient distance and angular position determination between devices without collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one-to-one communication techniques are used for ranging, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to inefficiency and missed measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple one-to-one ranging operations into a single one-to-many ranging operation by combining multiple response slots into one unified communication round, allowing the beacon to efficiently range with multiple devices simultaneously without requiring separate communication protocols for each device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the communication round into distinct time slots (initial timeslot, response slots, inactive period) that repeat in cycles, allowing structured periodic exchange of ranging messages between the beacon and multiple devices
2Productivity
If multiple devices communicate simultaneously with a beacon in the same bandwidth, then productivity increases, but reliability decreases due to data packet collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication bandwidth into multiple non-overlapping response slots in the time domain, assigning each device a specific time slot for transmission, which eliminates data packet collisions while maintaining high productivity through parallel ranging operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic slot selection where devices randomly or pseudo-randomly select response slots, creating a dynamic communication pattern that adapts to varying numbers of devices and minimizes collision probability while maintaining system reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If internal clocks of various electronic devices are not synchronized, then adaptability increases, but measurement precision decreases due to timing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the beacon pre-define the timing structure including initial timeslot, response slots, and inactive period durations before communication begins, allowing devices with unsynchronized clocks to accurately time their transmissions and receptions based on the beacon's predetermined schedule
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon acts as an intermediary that mediates timing between devices with unsynchronized clocks by providing a central reference framework, where the beacon defines and controls the timing structure that all devices follow, eliminating the need for direct device-to-device clock synchronization
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 enables accurate and efficient ranging between multiple mobile devices by minimizing collisions and synchronizing communication, allowing for precise distance and orientation calculations, even in environments with multiple devices communicating simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
time of flight measurements can be performed using ultra-wideband (UWB) pulses transmitted between the mobile devices
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device can include ranging circuitry to determine distance to another mobile device. A first wireless protocol can establish an initial communication session to perform authentication and/or exchange ranging settings. One mobile device acting as a beacon device can define a ranging round including an initial timeslot and a plurality of non-overlapping response slots for discovering and performing ranging with any mobile device in a vicinity of the beacon. The beacon can broadcast a ranging request including a beacon device identifier at a request time. A first mobile device can transmit a first acknowledgement message during a first response slot. A second mobile device can transmit a second acknowledgement message during a second response slot. The beacon device can calculate a first distance from the first mobile device and a second distance from the second mobile device based at least upon information in the first and second acknowledgement messages.