TDOA AOA Location Tracking with Dynamic Anchor Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the location of objects using time difference of arrival (TDOA) and angle of arrival (AOA) face challenges in accurately calculating the position of mobile tags relative to anchors, especially in environments with complex geometries and varying coverage areas, leading to inefficiencies in collision avoidance and tracking applications.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a combination of TDOA and AOA techniques, utilizing multiple antennas on mobile tags to receive wireless signals from multiple anchors, allowing for the calculation of hyperbolic curves and intersection points to determine precise location coordinates, and transitioning between peer-to-peer and network communications modes to maintain accurate tracking and minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TDOA and AOA techniques are used to determine location, then location accuracy is improved, but the number of required anchors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between peer-to-peer and network communication protocols based on real-time environmental conditions and signal quality. The system transitions from network mode (using multiple anchors with TDOA/AOA) to peer-to-peer mode (using fewer anchors or single anchor) when network mode becomes unavailable or inefficient, thereby reducing the effective number of anchors needed while maintaining location accuracy when possible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication protocol parameter dynamically based on situational requirements. By switching between different communication modes (peer-to-peer vs. network), the system adapts the effective number of anchors required, using the minimum necessary infrastructure to achieve acceptable location accuracy for the current operational context
2Reliability
If multiple anchors are deployed to improve coverage, then location tracking reliability is improved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the number and configuration of anchors used based on real-time conditions. In peer-to-peer mode, the system can operate with minimal anchor infrastructure, reducing system complexity. When network mode is activated, the system selectively engages multiple anchors only when and where needed to maintain reliability, rather than requiring all anchors to be actively deployed at all times
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile tags are designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both peer-to-peer and network communication modes. This universality allows the same hardware infrastructure to support both low-complexity peer-to-peer operations and high-reliability network-based TDOA/AOA operations, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems
3Measurement precision
If network communication mode is used for TDOA/AOA calculations, then location precision is improved, but interference with other wireless communications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between peer-to-peer and network communication modes based on environmental conditions, signal quality, and interference levels. When network mode generates excessive interference or when peer-to-peer mode provides sufficient accuracy, the system transitions to peer-to-peer mode, thereby reducing wireless interference while maintaining acceptable location precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of wireless interference into a beneficial decision-making factor. By monitoring interference levels and communication availability, the system uses these conditions to determine when to switch modes, turning interference concerns into a mechanism for selecting the most appropriate operational mode that minimizes overall system harm while maintaining functionality
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 location accuracy and reduces the number of required anchors, conserving resources while improving collision mitigation and tracking capabilities in diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
determining time difference of arrival information and angle of arrival information relating to the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal
Implementation Method 2
determining time difference of arrival information and angle of arrival information relating to the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, from a first antenna and a second antenna of a mobile device, a first wireless signal transmitted by a first anchor of a pair of anchors, receiving, from the first antenna and the second antenna, a second wireless signal that is transmitted by a second anchor of the pair of anchors based upon the second anchor detecting the first wireless signal, determining time difference of arrival information based on the receiving the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal, determining angle of arrival information based on the receiving the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal, and estimating a location of the mobile device based on the time difference of arrival information and the angle of arrival information. Other embodiments are disclosed.