Peer-to-Peer Wireless Positioning via Reflected Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current position determination technologies, such as radars, are expensive and limited to objects with active communication devices, making it difficult to detect and locate objects without transponders or communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A method using peer-to-peer wireless communication devices that receive and calculate angles of arrival of reflected signals to determine an object's position without direct line-of-sight communication, allowing for the detection of objects without active transmitters, using signals reflected from the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar technology is used for position determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive radar systems with inexpensive peer-to-peer wireless communication devices that can determine position through reflected signal analysis. These communication devices are mass-produced at low cost and can be disposed of or replaced easily, achieving affordable position determination without sacrificing measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes radar-based electromagnetic detection with a communication protocol-based approach using peer-to-peer wireless devices. Instead of using dedicated radar hardware, the system leverages standard communication devices and their native protocols to achieve position determination through signal reflection analysis
2Measurement precision
If active communication devices are required for position determination, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflected signals as an intermediary mechanism that enables position determination of passive objects. Instead of requiring direct communication between devices, the system uses environmental reflections of communication signals to detect and locate objects without active transmitters, thereby expanding adaptability to include passive objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the position determination system universal by enabling detection of both active communication devices and passive objects without transponders. The same peer-to-peer communication infrastructure can detect various object types through different mechanisms (direct communication or signal reflection), increasing system versatility
3Ease of operation
If direct line-of-sight communication is allowed between devices, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the reflected signal component from the overall communication signal. By using directional antennas and signal processing to separate reflected signals from direct line-of-sight signals, the system can determine position accurately using only the reflected signal information, eliminating the interference that would otherwise reduce measurement precision
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 low-cost, wide-range position determination of various objects, including those without communication devices, by isolating devices to receive only reflected signals, increasing the scope of detectable objects and scenarios, and providing accurate location calculations using angles and signal properties.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a first signal reflected from the object using a first device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a position of an object, the method including: receiving a first signal reflected from the object using a first device, the first device a peer to peer wireless communication device, interrogating a native communication protocol on the first device to output a first angle of arrival corresponding to the angle of arrival of the first signal at the first device, using a second device remote from the first device to receive a second signal reflected from the object, the second device a peer to peer wireless communication device, interrogating a native communication protocol on the second device to output a second angle of arrival corresponding to the angle of arrival of the second signal at the second device, calculating the position of the object based on the first and second angles of arrival, wherein the first and second devices are isolated from each other.