UE Localization via Single Beep Audio Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for localizing wireless user equipment (UE) devices in spatial configurations, such as vehicles or home entertainment systems, are inadequate for ensuring safe usage by determining the device's position relative to its surroundings, particularly in environments where device usage can be hazardous, like driving.
Innovation Solution
The localization of a wireless UE device is achieved through audio ranging techniques using audio signatures transmitted via multiple speaker channels, with the device processing these signatures to determine its position by analyzing arrival times or power dissipation, and selectively disabling features based on its location within a spatial configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If audio signatures are transmitted via multiple speaker channels for localization, then the device can determine its position relative to spatial configuration, but the system complexity increases due to multiple channels and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the localization task by assigning unique audio signatures to different speaker channels (front left, front right, rear left, rear right). Each channel transmits its signature independently, allowing the UE to identify which channel it receives the signal from, thereby determining its spatial position. This segmentation approach enables precise localization while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular channel processing.
2Measurement precision
If the UE device continuously monitors audio signatures for localization, then the positioning accuracy is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of audio signatures at predetermined time intervals rather than continuous transmission. The UE device monitors for these periodic signals, determining its location based on which channel's signature is received first or with highest intensity. This periodic approach maintains positioning accuracy over time while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as both the transmission and reception operations occur only at scheduled intervals.
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 method effectively localizes UE devices within spatial configurations, enabling safe usage by determining their position relative to driver or passenger zones, thereby reducing distractions and hazards, such as in vehicular environments.
Implementation Method 1
processing the plurality of audio signatures for determining the wireless UE device's location relative to a spatial configuration
Implementation Method 2
capturing a plurality of audio signatures simultaneously transmitted from a head unit and received via an audio transmission system
Data Source
AI summary
A scheme for localizing a wireless user equipment (UE) device's relative position with respect to a spatial configuration based on audio signatures received via a multi-channel audio system, e.g., an audio system of a vehicle or home entertainment system. The wireless UE device is configured to capture the audio signatures from a head unit that are placed in an out-of-hearing band, wherein the audio signatures comprise a single beep per channel that is separately detectable and are simultaneously transmitted by the head unit to the speaker channels. The wireless UE device includes a persistent memory module having program instructions for processing the captured signal including the out-of-band signatures in order to compute time delays. A localization module is configured to estimate the wireless UE device's relative position based on the time delays associated with respective speaker channels.