UWB Access Control Using BLE Wake-Up for Precise Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems lack seamless integration and accuracy in determining user intent and location for secure passageway access, particularly in congested environments.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) communication technologies for precise angle and distance calculations through UWB communication circuitry, combined with Bluetooth for initial wake-up, to determine user intent and location for access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UWB communication circuitry is used for precise location determination, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication to initially detect and wake up the UWB communication circuitry before actual UWB location determination is needed. This preliminary detection phase allows the system to maintain UWB circuitry in a low-power state until required, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while preserving the capability for high-precision location measurement when needed.
2Ease of operation
If Bluetooth Low Energy is used for initial device detection, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates compared to UWB
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the device detection and location determination process into two distinct phases: an initial detection phase using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for ease of operation and device discovery, followed by a precision measurement phase using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for accurate location determination. This segmentation allows each technology to be optimized for its specific function - BLE for low-power initial contact and UWB for high-precision measurement - thereby resolving the contradiction between operational ease and measurement precision.
3Reliability
If UWB circuitry remains active continuously, then reliability of location determination is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by activating UWB communication circuitry only at specific intervals - specifically, when BLE detects a nearby device requiring location determination. The UWB circuitry transitions between low-power states and active measurement states based on periodic BLE-triggered events, thereby maintaining location determination reliability when needed while significantly reducing energy loss compared to continuous operation.
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 precise and efficient access control by accurately determining user intent and location, enhancing security and reducing errors in multi-path signal environments.
Implementation Method 1
determining a distance of the second computing device relative to the first computing device based on a time of flight of the at least one UWB communication signal from the second computing device to a plurality of antennas of the first computing device
Implementation Method 2
determining an angle of arrival of the at least one UWB communication signal at a plurality of antennas of the first computing device
Data Source
AI summary
A system according to one embodiment includes a first computing device comprising ultra-wideband communication circuitry, and a second computing device comprising ultra-wideband communication circuitry configured to communicate with the ultra-wideband communication circuitry of the first computing device to determine the angle and distance of the first computing device relative to the second computing device.