Phase Matching Module for 802.11ay Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for distance measurement using 802.11ay wireless signals have a limited accuracy of about 4.28 cm, which is insufficient for applications requiring precise positioning and action at each position, such as those needing 1 cm accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a phase matching module in electronic devices to estimate distance by comparing first and second distance measurements based on transmission and reception times, and phases of the transmitted and received signals, enhancing the accuracy of distance estimation beyond the standard resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 802.11ay wireless signal is used for distance measurement with standard bandwidth, then the system can achieve relatively fast communication speed, but the distance measurement accuracy is limited to about 4.28 cm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from time-domain based distance measurement (using time of flight) to phase-domain based measurement. By analyzing the phase difference between transmitted and received signals, the system achieves sub-centimeter accuracy without increasing bandwidth or complexity. This dimensional shift from time to phase space enables finer resolution measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from time delay to phase difference. Instead of measuring how long the signal takes to return (time of flight), the system measures the phase shift of the reflected signal relative to the transmitted signal. This parameter transformation enables distance measurement at the sub-centimeter level using standard 802.11ay bandwidth.
2Measurement precision
If interpolation method is applied to improve distance estimation accuracy, then some accuracy improvement is achieved, but the accuracy cannot reach 1 cm level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mathematical interpolation method with a direct physical measurement approach. Instead of estimating distance by interpolating between discrete time samples, the system directly measures phase difference, which provides a continuous and more reliable measurement. This substitution of indirect mathematical estimation with direct physical measurement achieves the required 1 cm accuracy reliably.
3Measurement precision
If phase matching module is added to estimate distance based on signal phases, then distance measurement accuracy is significantly improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase matching module leverages existing components in the 802.11ay system. The wireless communication module already transmits and receives signals, and the processor already handles signal processing for communication. The phase matching function uses these existing capabilities without requiring separate dedicated hardware, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving high 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
This approach significantly improves distance estimation accuracy, allowing for precise positioning and enabling actions at specific positions, overcoming the limitations of standard 802.11ay system resolution.
Implementation Method 1
transmit a wireless communication signal to an external object and receive a signal reflected from the external object
Implementation Method 2
estimate a distance to the external object based on phases of the transmitted signal and the received signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for improving the accuracy of measuring a distance to an object using a wireless communication signal and an electronic device therefor the same are provided. The method includes transmitting a wireless communication signal to an external object by controlling a wireless communication module, receiving a signal returned based on the transmitted wireless communication signal being reflected from the external object by controlling the wireless communication module, acquiring a first distance to the external object based on a transmission time point of the transmitted signal and a reception time point of the received signal, acquiring a second distance to the external object based on phases of the transmitted signal and the received signal by controlling the phase matching module, and estimating a distance to the external object based on the first distance and the second distance.