Phase-Based Ranging Using Integrated System Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an efficient system and method to determine the distance and direction of peripheral devices relative to an information handling system, enabling quick file transfers, screen sharing, and remote device authentication, which existing technologies do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The integration of antennas within the information handling system allows for phase-based ranging using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon frames and data transmission patterns to determine the distance and direction of peripheral devices, utilizing multiple antennas and sensor data for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase-based ranging with multiple antennas is implemented, then measurement precision of peripheral device location is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing integrated antennas originally designed for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communications to perform phase-based ranging for peripheral device location. By making these antennas multi-functional (serving both communication and location purposes), the system achieves high measurement precision without adding dedicated location hardware, thus avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing antenna infrastructure to determine peripheral device locations. The integrated antennas and processors that already serve communication functions are leveraged to perform phase-based ranging measurements, eliminating the need for separate location determination systems
2Measurement precision
If multiple integrated antennas are used for phase-based ranging, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same integrated antennas used for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communications are employed for phase-based ranging measurements. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve accurate distance measurements without requiring additional dedicated antennas that would consume extra energy
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase information from existing communication signals to determine distance, converting communication parameters into location measurement parameters. This approach extracts location data from signals already being transmitted for communication purposes, avoiding the need for separate high-energy measurement transmissions
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 seamless file transfers, screen sharing, and secure remote device authentication by accurately determining the distance and direction of peripheral devices, enhancing operational efficiency and security in information handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
determining a first distance between a first antenna integrated into the user information handling system and the peripheral device, determining a second distance between a second antenna integrated into the user information handling system and the peripheral device
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system is disclosed and includes a processor, a memory, a power management unit (PMU), at least two antennas, and a wireless interface operatively coupled to the at least two antennas. The processor may execute code instructions for a distance and direction detection module therein configured to enable phase-based ranging with narrow band tone exchange, to add at least one constant tone duration to a wireless data signal frame, to monitor for nearby peripheral devices, and to measure at least two distances between each of the at least two antennas at the information handling system and a nearby peripheral device using switching between the at least two antennas.