Time of Flight Estimation Using Collaborative Timing Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the time of flight between connected objects are often expensive and resource-intensive, making them unsuitable for widespread use in everyday applications where objects are limited in resources.
Innovation Solution
A collaborative method where one equipment item receives a transmission information item representing a time interval from the other equipment item, allowing for the estimation of the time of flight between the two, without the need for dedicated modules, and enabling efficient energy consumption by synchronizing message transmission with the listening readiness of the first equipment item.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated modules are used to estimate time of flight with high accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the second equipment item participate in time of flight estimation by having it transmit timing information, transforming it from a passive object into an active participant. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated estimation modules in the first equipment item, as the second equipment item's communication functionality is leveraged for timing measurement purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The second equipment item serves itself by transmitting timing information that enables the first equipment item to calculate time of flight. This self-service mechanism allows the system to achieve accurate time of flight estimation without requiring additional dedicated hardware modules, as the existing communication infrastructure is utilized for dual purposes
2Measurement precision
If complex time of flight estimation techniques are employed, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication messages exchanged between equipment items serve dual purposes: conveying application data and providing timing information for time of flight estimation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated estimation protocols and modules, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the time of flight estimation function with the existing communication function. By combining timing information transmission with regular data communication, the system achieves accurate time of flight measurement without requiring separate energy-intensive estimation procedures
3Measurement precision
If dedicated modules are used for time of flight estimation, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables time of flight estimation capability in standard equipment items without dedicated modules by making the second equipment item transmit timing information. This approach allows widespread deployment of time of flight estimation in everyday connected objects that lack specialized hardware, significantly improving ease of manufacture and deployment
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating the time of flight between a first equipment item and a second equipment item includes the following steps carried out by the first equipment item: reception from the second equipment item of a transmission information item representing a time interval between the instant of reception of a message from the first equipment item and the instant of transmission by the second equipment item of a message including the transmission information item; and estimation of the time of flight between the first equipment item and the second equipment item by using the transmission information item. The time of flight can be used to determine the distance between two equipment items, for synchronizing two equipment items, or for detecting a movement of an equipment item.