Short-Range Positioning Configuration for Higher Tag Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IP-based positioning technologies face limitations in handling a large number of devices concurrently due to limitations in standard short-range positioning methods, particularly in Bluetooth and UWB, which restrict the efficiency and performance of localization.

Innovation Solution

A method and device configuration that allows operation in either a standard or proprietary mode, utilizing proprietary extensions and adjustments to CTE intervals, enabling higher efficiency by allowing more devices to be handled per time unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard short-range positioning is used, then interoperation between different manufacturers is ensured, but the number of devices that can be handled concurrently by one reference source is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteroperation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices handled concurrently
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the positioning mode configurable and switchable. The device can dynamically transition between standard mode and proprietary mode based on configuration messages received from the location server. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize performance for specific scenarios while maintaining standard compliance when needed, thereby resolving the contradiction between interoperation capability and concurrent device handling capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters by introducing a configuration message that modifies the device's positioning behavior. The configuration message contains parameters that enable the device to switch between standard short-range positioning and proprietary short-range positioning modes. By changing these parameters, the system can increase the number of devices handled concurrently by one reference source while maintaining the ability to fall back to standard mode for interoperation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If proprietary short-range positioning is used, then performance and efficiency are improved, but compatibility with standard protocols is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning efficiencyVSAvoidprotocol compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its protocol usage based on configuration. The device can switch between standard and proprietary positioning modes, allowing it to achieve high positioning efficiency when proprietary mode is configured while maintaining the ability to use standard protocols when compatibility is required. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between productivity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with multi-functionality to support both standard and proprietary short-range positioning modes. By incorporating universal capability to operate in either mode based on configuration messages, the device achieves high positioning efficiency through proprietary methods while maintaining compatibility with standard protocols when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and protocol compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4545997B1Method for configuring a device for short-range positioning, device and location server
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 U-BLOX
  • EP4545997B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

In one embodiment a method for configuring a device for short-range positioning based on Angle-of-Arrival, AoA, and/or Angle-of-Departure, AoD, estimation within an Internet Protocol, IP, based network, the method comprises the steps of receiving (S1), by the device (10), a configuration message (CFG) from a location server (20), which configuration message enables the device to determine whether to enter either a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation, wherein in the first mode of operation a standard short-range positioning is applied and wherein in the second mode of operation a proprietary short-range positioning is applied, operating (S2), by the device, either in the first or in the second mode of operation according to the configuration message, and sending (S3), by the device, a confirmation message indicating successful configuration of the device.