Radio Auto-Location Mode Switching for Missing Distance Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing localization systems using UWB signals for self-localization suffer from inaccuracies in determining the relative positions of electronic equipment, necessitating improvements in distance measurement techniques to enhance positional accuracy.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that allows equipment to switch between different operating modes for radio signal transmission and reception, including adjustable amplification, polarization, carrier frequencies, and preamble lengths, to optimize distance measurements and recalibrate positions based on successful measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If standard UWB signal transmission is used for self-localization, then the system is simple to implement, but the positional accuracy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the transmitter/receiver to switch between multiple operating modes (omnidirectional and directional antenna configurations) based on measurement requirements. This allows the system to adapt its complexity dynamically - using simple omnidirectional mode for basic operations and switching to directional modes when higher accuracy is needed for specific distance measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of the radio signal transmission system by providing multiple operating modes with different antenna configurations, polarizations, and transmission characteristics. These parameter changes enable optimization of distance measurement accuracy for specific spatial relationships between equipment without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple operating modes with different antennas are used to improve measurement accuracy, then positional accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidtransmitter/receiver complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single transmitter/receiver unit that can operate in multiple modes (omnidirectional and directional antenna configurations) depending on the measurement requirements. This universal design allows one device to perform both simple and complex measurements without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects appropriate operating modes based on the measurement task at hand, switching between simple omnidirectional mode for general operations and complex directional modes only when high-accuracy distance measurement is required, thereby avoiding unnecessary complexity in routine operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If distance measurements are attempted for all equipment pairs, then positional accuracy improves, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary identification of equipment pairs that require enhanced measurement by detecting unmeasured distances in the list of equipment relationships. This preliminary analysis allows the system to prioritize measurements that are most critical for position accuracy calculation, avoiding unnecessary measurements for already-sufficient pairs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement process is made dynamic by selectively activating different operating modes based on real-time needs. The system monitors which distance measurements are missing and only activates complex directional transmission modes when specifically needed to fill gaps in the measurement data, rather than continuously operating in high-complexity mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances the accuracy of positional calculations by detecting and measuring previously unmeasured distances, thereby improving the precision of equipment location through adaptive radio signal characteristics and multiple carrier frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

The distance measurement between the signal emitting equipment and the signal receiving equipment is obtained by calculation from the time of flight (the time elapsed between the moment of signal emission, determinable by the receiving equipment from the time information, and the reception of the signal by the receiving equipment) and the speed of propagation of the signal in the ambient medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

the time of flight (the time elapsed between the moment of signal emission, determinable by the receiving equipment from the time information, and the reception of the signal by the receiving equipment) and the speed of propagation of the signal in the ambient medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpeed of propagation:

Data Source

PatentEP4078231B1Auto-location method and system using radioelectric signals, corresponding program and program medium
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS
  • EP4078231B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4078231B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4078231B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Auto-location method for electronic equipment items provided with a transmitter/receiver of radioelectric signals, comprising the steps of: establishing a list of the equipment items with their relative position and the measurements of distances between the equipment items, detecting, using the list, at least one non-measured distance between a first equipment item and a second equipment item, the transmitter/receiver of which has a plurality of available operating modes, changing the operating mode of the transmitter/receiver of the second equipment item and attempting to measure the distance between the first equipment item and the second equipment item, and updating the list with the last distance measured. System and program for implementing this method.