RF Location Tracking with Merged TWR Transmissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF-based systems for determining the distance between devices require numerous transmissions, making them cumbersome and power-intensive, especially when trying to determine the relative position of multiple devices in 2D and 3D spaces using the Two Way Ranging method.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses precise timing of RF transmissions between a mobile tag device and multiple anchor devices to calculate distances mathematically using only three transmissions, allowing for location determination in both 2D and 3D spaces with reduced RF air time and battery consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Two Way Ranging method is used to determine relative position of multiple devices, then distance measurement accuracy is improved, but the number of RF transmissions increases to 3N-1
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distance measurements into a single set of three RF transmissions by having a mobile device transmit one signal that is received by multiple anchor devices simultaneously. Each anchor device measures the time of flight independently, and all distance calculations are performed in parallel, reducing the total transmission count from 3N-1 to just 3 transmissions while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning of anchor devices and pre-calculates their coordinates before the actual ranging operation. This preliminary setup allows the system to process multiple distance measurements efficiently using the same three transmissions, as the geometric relationships and calculation parameters are established in advance.
2Measurement precision
If Two Way Ranging method is used for multiple devices, then location determination is achieved, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple ranging operations into a single coordinated event where one mobile device transmits three signals that are simultaneously processed by multiple anchor devices. This consolidation reduces the cumulative transmission and reception operations that consume battery power, while still achieving accurate location determination through parallel distance measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements location determination as a periodic event rather than continuous operation. By triggering a single set of three transmissions at specific intervals and using pre-calculated anchor positions, the system minimizes the frequency of power-intensive RF operations while maintaining accurate location tracking capability.
3Measurement precision
If traditional TWR system is used, then distance measurement is possible, but RF air time is consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distance measurement functions into a single RF communication event. Instead of requiring separate two-way handshakes between each device pair (which would consume extensive RF air time), the system uses one mobile device transmitting three signals that are simultaneously received and measured by multiple anchor devices, completing all distance calculations in parallel with minimal RF channel occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary setup of anchor device coordinates and pre-establishes the geometric framework for location calculation. This preparation work, done outside of RF transmission time, enables the system to rapidly process the three transmissions without requiring extended RF air time for iterative measurements or repeated communication rounds.
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
Enables efficient and accurate location tracking of mobile devices in 2D and 3D spaces with significantly fewer transmissions than traditional methods, optimizing RF usage and battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a method described as Two Way Ranging (TWR). In TWR the distance between RF devices is determined using a series of at least three transmissions
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for location of objects in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional space using a minimum number of timed RF transmissions. System consists of a mobile device and a plurality of surveyed anchors. Two-Way Ranging (TWR) is done between the tag and any single anchor and the distance between the tag and remaining anchors is determined through listening to, or snooping, the TWR packet transmissions.