UWB Node Positioning via Single Anchor Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultra-wideband (UWB) communication networks face limitations in determining node position due to high processing costs, energy consumption, and reduced node capacity in Two-Way Ranging (TWR) systems, while Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) systems suffer from complexity and instability, especially with limited anchors.
Innovation Solution
A method where a node transmits a poll message to multiple anchors, with only one anchor responding to the node and other anchors, using timing information to calculate the node's position, reducing message exchanges and leveraging external communication networks for processing, thereby combining the accuracy of TWR with the speed of TDOA.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Two-Way Ranging (TWR) is used for position determination, then positioning accuracy is improved, but processing costs and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the response function from all anchors and assigns it to only one selected anchor. Instead of all anchors participating in the TWR exchange, a single anchor is chosen to send the response message back to the node. This reduces the number of message exchanges and processing operations, thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy through the selected anchor's measurement data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by having only one anchor perform the response transmission and processing, rather than all anchors participating equally. This partial participation reduces the overall processing load and energy consumption in the system while still gathering sufficient measurement data from multiple anchors for accurate positioning calculations.
2Measurement precision
If Two-Way Ranging (TWR) is used for position determination, then positioning accuracy is improved, but processing resources are overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computationally intensive response message transmission and processing tasks from all anchors and concentrates them in a single selected anchor. This division reduces the processing burden on each individual anchor and the overall system, preventing resource overwhelming while maintaining the accuracy benefits of multi-anchor involvement through the selected anchor's coordinated response.
3Speed
If Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) is used for position determination, then positioning speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a selected anchor as an intermediary that facilitates the positioning process. This anchor receives the poll message, coordinates the response transmission, and manages the timing information collection. This intermediary approach simplifies the system architecture compared to full TDOA implementation while maintaining fast positioning speed through efficient single-anchor coordination.
4Speed
If TDOA system is used with limited anchors, then positioning speed is maintained, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a selection mechanism that uses feedback from signal quality measurements to choose the most suitable anchor for the response. By measuring signal strength or quality parameters from multiple anchors and selecting the best one, the system adapts to current conditions, improving stability with limited anchors while maintaining positioning speed through the selected anchor's efficient response.
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 approach enhances positioning accuracy and speed, reduces energy consumption, and allows for three-dimensional positioning with fewer anchors, improving system stability and capacity without the need for extensive clock synchronization.
Implementation Method 1
the node transmits a poll message to a plurality of anchors; a first anchor of said plurality transmits a response message to the node
Implementation Method 2
a processing unit calculates the position of the node using timing information of the poll message transmission by the node, of the poll message reception by the plurality of anchors, of the response message transmission by the first anchor, and of the response message reception by the node
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for determining the position of a node in a communication network is conceived, wherein said network comprises said node and a plurality of anchors, the method comprising: the node transmits a poll message to the plurality of anchors; a first anchor of said plurality transmits a response message to the node and to one or more other anchors of said plurality of anchors; a processing unit calculates the position of the node using timing information of the poll message transmission by the node, of the poll message reception by the plurality of anchors, of the response message transmission by the first anchor, and of the response message reception by the node and the other anchor or anchors. In accordance with other aspects of the present disclosure, a corresponding computer program and a corresponding system for determining the position of a node in a communication network is provided.