Single-Antenna UWB Positioning via Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-antenna UWB devices are unable to accurately position multi-antenna devices due to size constraints, limiting their functionality to distance measurement only.
Innovation Solution
A method where a single-antenna device determines the relative orientation of a multi-antenna device by acquiring geographic and relative orientation information using geomagnetic, acceleration, and gravity sensors, enabling accurate positioning through communication methods like Bluetooth or UWB.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If only one UWB antenna is installed due to size requirements, then device size is reduced, but positioning capability of other devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (geomagnetic sensing, acceleration sensing, gravity sensing) to achieve positioning functionality that would otherwise require multiple UWB antennas. By merging data from these different sensors and processing it through coordinate system transformations, the single-antenna device gains positioning capability without increasing physical size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces geographic orientation information as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between single-antenna limitations and positioning requirements. By using geomagnetic, acceleration, and gravity sensors to determine geographic orientation, the system mediates the positioning function that would otherwise require multiple antennas, enabling the single-antenna device to position other devices effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple UWB antennas are installed to enable positioning, then positioning capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions (geomagnetic, acceleration, gravity) into a unified positioning system that replaces the need for multiple UWB antennas. This combination allows the device to achieve positioning capability through software and sensor fusion rather than hardware multiplication, avoiding size increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/hardware approach of using multiple physical antennas with a sensor-fusion and computational approach. By replacing the need for multiple UWB antennas with a combination of geomagnetic, acceleration, and gravity sensors along with coordinate transformations, the system achieves the same positioning function without the physical bulk of multiple antennas.
3Device complexity
If single-antenna device uses only distance measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges distance measurement data with geographic orientation information from multiple sensors to achieve accurate positioning. By combining these different types of information and processing them through coordinate system transformations, the system improves positioning accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity, as the additional processing is software-based.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional distance measurement to two-dimensional positioning by incorporating geographic orientation information. Through coordinate system transformations that integrate distance with angular/orientational data, the system adds a dimensional aspect to positioning, enabling accurate determination of relative positions without requiring multiple antennas.
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 a single-antenna device to accurately position a multi-antenna device, expanding the positioning capabilities of single-antenna devices and overcoming size limitations.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring first geographic orientation information of a second device and first relative orientation information of the first device relative to the second device
Implementation Method 2
acquiring first geographic orientation information of a second device and first relative orientation information of the first device relative to the second device
Implementation Method 3
acquiring first geographic orientation information of a second device and first relative orientation information of the first device relative to the second device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a positioning method and apparatus. The method includes: acquiring (101) first geographic orientation information of a second device and first relative orientation information of the first device relative to the second device; acquiring (102) second geographic orientation information of the first device; and determining (103) second relative orientation information of the second device relative to the first device according to the first geographic orientation information, the second geographic orientation information, and the first relative orientation information.