ToF Localization Apparatus Using Optical Modulation for Indoor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional localization techniques for small electronic devices, such as those in IoT and WSNs, face limitations in accuracy and complexity, especially in 3D motion tracking and indoor positioning, due to high costs and power consumption, and require improved methods for precise location awareness.
Innovation Solution
The use of Time of Flight (ToF) modules for emitting and receiving modulated light signals to determine the position of devices in both a local and global coordinate system, combined with optical communication to provide devices with their coordinates, eliminating the need for additional communication means like RF signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional positioning techniques (RF, sound, magnetic positioning) are used, then devices can determine their location, but accuracy and range are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional RF, sound, or magnetic positioning systems with an optical ToF-based system. The ToF circuit emits modulated light signals and measures the time of flight of reflected light to determine device positions with high precision, eliminating the accuracy limitations of traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positioning parameter from indirect RF/sound/magnetic field measurements to direct optical time-of-flight measurements. By measuring the time of flight of light signals, the system achieves both high accuracy and extended range in indoor positioning applications.
2Measurement precision
If complex systems (ToF sensors + wide-angle cameras + inertial sensors + computer vision processor) are used for 3D motion tracking, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity, cost, and power consumption increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ToF sensing function with the communication function into a single integrated system. The ToF circuit both measures positions and transmits position data to devices, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ToF circuit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a positioning sensor and a communication transmitter. By embedding communication capabilities within the sensing system, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed for 3D motion tracking applications.
3Measurement precision
If manual association of devices with geometric positions is performed, then location awareness is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines and communicates device positions without manual configuration. The ToF circuit measures positions of devices in the environment and autonomously transmits this position information to the devices, eliminating the need for manual association of devices with geometric positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary position measurement and communication setup during the initialization phase. By automatically establishing position data before the application starts, the system eliminates the need for manual configuration and reduces setup time.
4Measurement precision
If ToF modules are used for localization, then positioning accuracy is improved, but additional communication means (RF signals) are required, increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ToF sensing and communication functions into a single integrated circuit. The ToF circuit transmits position information directly through the optical communication channel, eliminating the need for separate RF communication hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ToF circuit is designed to perform both positioning measurement and data communication functions. By making the ToF circuit universal, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated communication means while maintaining high localization accuracy.
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 enables precise, cost-effective, and efficient localization and motion tracking with high update rates, reducing complexity and power consumption, and facilitating the development of ubiquitous location-aware devices.
Implementation Method 1
a ToF circuit configured to emit a first modulated light signal and to receive a reflection of the first modulated light signal from the first device
Implementation Method 2
receive a reflection of the first modulated light signal from the first device
Implementation Method 3
determine a position of the first device in a second coordinate system based on the position of the first device in the first coordinate system, a position of the apparatus in the second coordinate system, and an orientation of the apparatus in the second coordinate system
Implementation Method 4
a transmit circuit configured to emit a second modulated signal to the first device, wherein the second modulated signal comprises data indicating the position of the first device in the second coordinate system
Data Source
AI summary
A localization apparatus includes: a time-of-flight circuit configured to emit a first modulated light signal and to receive reflections of the first modulated light signal from at least three devices; a processing circuit configured to determine, based on the first modulated light signal and the reflections, positions of the at least three devices in a first coordinate system associated with the apparatus; and a receive circuit configured to receive second modulated signals from the at least three devices, the second modulated signals including data indicating positions of the at least three devices in a second coordinate system. The processing circuit is further configured to determine a position and orientation of the apparatus in the second coordinate system based on the positions of the at least three devices in the first coordinate system and the data indicating the positions of the at least three devices in the second coordinate system.