Peer-to-Peer Relative Positioning Across Disconnected Device Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in determining the position of objects in environments where Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) information is unavailable, such as indoors or underground, due to signal blockage and limited antenna configurations, leading to difficulties in relative location determination among devices.
Innovation Solution
Electronic devices utilize wireless communication techniques like time-of-flight (RF ranging, UWB) and received signal strength indication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) to generate a local coordinate system without relying on fixed infrastructure, and use tie nodes to link separate peer-to-peer networks, resolving location ambiguity with intuitive device information and mobile devices to synchronize multiple coordinate systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS information is used to determine location, then global positioning accuracy is improved, but signal availability deteriorates in environments with dense foliage, buildings, or indoor locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate reference points (beacons) deployed within the environment that mediate between satellites and receivers. These beacons receive satellite signals and re-transmit them locally, enabling location determination in GNSS-denied environments by providing an intermediate signal path that bypasses direct line-of-sight requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the monolithic GNSS system into distributed reference points throughout the environment. Instead of relying on a single global satellite constellation, the system divides location determination into multiple local reference frames, each anchored by beacons that provide localized positioning information
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate peer-to-peer networks are created due to limited communication range, then device connectivity is improved, but location consistency deteriorates across networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate peer-to-peer networks into a unified coordinate system by establishing transformation relationships between local coordinate systems. Tie nodes that participate in multiple networks serve as anchors for merging, allowing location information to be consistently translated across network boundaries while maintaining the adaptive connectivity of individual peer-to-peer groups
3Adaptability or versatility
If two potential locations are identified from circle intersections, then ranging measurement flexibility is improved, but location ambiguity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the problem-solving approach by not trying to directly resolve the ambiguity through additional measurements, but rather by using device type information and spatial reasoning to eliminate impossible solutions. Instead of measuring more to find the answer, the system uses what is already known about device characteristics and environmental constraints to rule out incorrect locations
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 accurate relative location determination within structures by generating a universal coordinate system, allowing for operations like unlocking vehicle doors and accessing virtual maps, even in environments where GNSS is unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first range measurement and the second range measurement between the first range measurement and the second range measurement is calculated by measuring a round trip time of a wireless signal
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device can perform a process for conducting first ranging measurements with a first plurality of electronic devices to obtain first ranging information for a first peer-to-peer coordinate system, the first ranging information providing first relative location information between the mobile device and a first plurality of electronic devices. The method may include generating, using the first ranging information, a first relative location for the mobile device in the first peer-to-peer coordinate system. The device may conduct a second ranging measurements with a second plurality of electronic devices to obtain second ranging information for a second peer-to-peer coordinate system, the second ranging information providing second relative location information between the mobile device and a second plurality of electronic devices, where the first plurality of electronic devices are not within peer-to-peer communication range with the second plurality of electronic devices.