Phase-Based Ranging Using Frequency-Converted Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ranging methods in wireless communication face limitations in measurement accuracy due to system bandwidth constraints and indoor multipath environments, leading to significant ranging errors.
Innovation Solution
A ranging method that involves a first device sending a signal on a first channel and receiving a frequency-converted signal from a second device on a second channel, allowing for accurate distance calculation based on the phase difference between carriers of the received signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If round-trip time measurement method is used for ranging, then ranging can be implemented, but measurement accuracy is limited due to system bandwidth constraints and multipath environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional time-based ranging method (measuring round-trip time of signal transmission) with a phase-based measurement method. Instead of measuring the time duration of signal propagation, the system measures the phase difference between transmitted and received signals at multiple frequencies, which is then converted to distance information. This substitution of measurement mechanism overcomes the limitations of time-based methods in multipath environments and with limited bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs frequency sweeping technique where the carrier frequency of the signal is varied across multiple frequency points. By measuring phase differences at multiple frequencies and analyzing the frequency-phase relationship, the system can extract accurate distance information while compensating for multipath effects. The change in frequency parameter enables the system to distinguish between direct path and reflected path signals.
2Measurement precision
If multiple interactions between devices are performed for ranging, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but ranging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs frequency sweeping and phase measurement during the initial signal exchange process. Instead of requiring multiple separate interaction rounds for different measurement purposes, the system collects phase information at multiple frequencies in a single interaction sequence, enabling both accuracy improvement and efficiency maintenance through advance data collection.
3Measurement precision
If signals are transmitted on the same channel for ranging, then device complexity is reduced, but signal interference increases affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces frequency as an additional dimension for signal differentiation. By transmitting ranging signals at multiple frequency points and measuring phase differences across this frequency dimension, the system can distinguish between direct path signals and multipath reflected signals, thereby reducing the harmful effects of interference while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 method achieves high-accuracy distance measurement even in multipath conditions, improves ranging efficiency by reducing the need for multiple interactions between devices, and minimizes signal interference by using different channels.
Implementation Method 1
a second signal from a second device, where the second signal is a signal obtained after frequency conversion is performed on the first signal
Implementation Method 2
The first device calculates a distance between the first device and the second device based on a phase difference between carriers of the second signal
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides ranging methods and apparatuses. One example method includes that a first device sends a first signal on a first channel. The first device receives, on a second channel, a second signal from a second device, where the second signal is a signal obtained after frequency conversion is performed on the first signal. The first device calculates a distance between the first device and the second device based on a phase difference between carriers of the second signal.