Ranging Constellation Calibration for Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless network technologies face challenges in achieving accurate ranging and location services, particularly in deep-indoor environments with poor signal quality and outdoor environments with channel variability, while also managing power consumption effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that involves determining timing differences between mobile devices and anchor devices in a ranging constellation, initiating calibration procedures when thresholds are exceeded, and optimizing power consumption by selecting suitable anchor devices or restricting ranging services based on resource capabilities, to enhance accuracy and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ranging measurements are performed frequently to improve location accuracy, then location precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the ranging measurement frequency based on mobility detection. When mobility is detected, ranging measurements are performed more frequently to maintain accurate location tracking. When stationary, measurements are reduced or stopped to conserve power. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining location accuracy and managing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (ranging measurement frequency) based on detected conditions (mobility state). By transitioning between different measurement frequencies according to mobility detection results, the system optimizes the balance between location accuracy and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If calibration procedures are performed frequently to improve ranging accuracy, then ranging precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveranging accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from mobility detection to control calibration frequency. Calibration is triggered based on mobility state feedback - performed when mobility is detected and skipped when stationary. This feedback mechanism ensures calibration is performed only when necessary to maintain ranging accuracy, avoiding unnecessary power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration frequency is dynamically adjusted based on mobility detection results. The system transitions between calibration states (performing calibration vs. skipping calibration) according to real-time mobility conditions, optimizing the trade-off between ranging accuracy and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If multiple anchor devices are used to improve location accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the anchor device selection process into distinct phases: identification of candidate anchor devices, selection of optimal subset based on mobility state, and coordinated communication with selected anchors. This segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the multi-anchor coordination into manageable steps while maintaining location accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If ranging services are performed in deep-indoor environments to improve location coverage, then service availability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to poor signal quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidranging accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses mobility detection as an intermediary to mediate between service availability requirements and measurement quality. By detecting mobility state, the system can determine when ranging measurements are necessary despite poor signal conditions, and when alternative positioning methods may suffice, thus managing the trade-off between coverage and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Measurement precision

If ranging services are performed in outdoor environments to improve location accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to channel variability and reflective properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveranging accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts ranging operation based on mobility detection. In outdoor environments, when mobility is detected, the system performs ranging measurements despite channel variability, as accurate tracking is critical. When stationary, the system may skip measurements or use alternative methods, accepting reduced reliability to maintain power efficiency. This dynamic approach balances accuracy requirements against reliability concerns in variable outdoor conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4235205A1Calibration of ranging constellations in wireless networks
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4235205A1 patent drawingFigure 1(A)~2
  • EP4235205A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4235205A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a wireless system and methods for managing and/or configuring two or more ranging capable devices to form a ranging constellation to support ranging-based positioning services. Multiple challenges in determining a need for calibration in ranging services to improve accuracy and/or reduce power consumption are addressed.