UWB Access Point Handover for Limited Ranging Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
UWB technology faces challenges in determining precise mobile device locations due to its shorter range, leading to difficulties in identifying and selecting additional UWB anchors for accurate positioning, especially in complex mobile communication environments.
Innovation Solution
A network device provides UWB handover recommendations to a client device by utilizing wireless technologies supported by access points, including UWB ranging operations, Two-Way Ranging (TWR), and machine learning processes to select optimal UWB-enabled APs for subsequent ranging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UWB technology is used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but the range of UWB signals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The network device performs preliminary actions by identifying and selecting appropriate UWB anchors before the mobile device needs to perform ranging. The system pre-determines which anchors are suitable based on their locations and signal characteristics, so that when the mobile device enters the area, the anchors are already identified and ready for connection, overcoming the limited UWB range issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and UWB anchors. It receives location requests from the mobile device, determines appropriate anchors, and facilitates the connection process. This intermediary approach allows the mobile device to maintain accurate location tracking even when direct UWB anchor visibility is limited.
2Measurement precision
If TDoA technique is used for UWB ranging, then location accuracy is improved, but the number of required UWB anchors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device performs preliminary identification and selection of UWB anchors based on their locations and signal characteristics before the mobile device needs to perform ranging. This pre-determination reduces the number of anchors the mobile device needs to detect and process, making TDoA feasible with fewer anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by selecting specific UWB anchors based on their local characteristics and locations relative to the mobile device. Rather than requiring uniform distribution of anchors throughout the entire area, the system identifies anchors with optimal signal properties in the specific local area where the mobile device is present.
3Length of stationary object
If TWR technique is used for UWB ranging, then the range limitation is addressed, but the complexity of anchor identification and selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device serves as an intermediary that handles the complex tasks of anchor identification and selection. It receives location requests, determines appropriate anchors based on their characteristics, and facilitates the TWR process. This removes the complexity from the mobile device, allowing it to perform simpler ranging operations even over extended ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device performs preliminary actions to identify and select suitable UWB anchors before the mobile device initiates ranging operations. By pre-determining which anchors are appropriate based on their locations and signal characteristics, the system simplifies the subsequent anchor identification process for the mobile device.
4Device complexity
If mobile device detects signals from only one or two UWB anchors, then the ranging operation can be simplified, but TDoA becomes unfeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The network device performs preliminary identification and selection of multiple UWB anchors before the mobile device needs to perform ranging. This ensures that even if the mobile device can only directly detect one or two anchors, the system has already prepared additional anchor information that can be used to achieve accurate location determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device acts as an intermediary that compensates for the limited number of directly detectable anchors. It provides the mobile device with information about additional anchors and facilitates the ranging process, enabling accurate location determination even when the mobile device can only directly communicate with one or two anchors.
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
Ensures accurate and efficient UWB ranging by guiding the client device to identify and connect with nearby UWB-enabled APs, reducing complications in location tracking and enhancing positioning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A commonly used UWB positioning technique is Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA), in which a mobile device listens to signals exchanged by multiple UWB anchors and determines its position based on the time differences between when these signals arrive at the UWB anchors.
Implementation Method 2
In TWR, the mobile device can directly exchange messages with individual UWB anchors, measuring the round-trip time of the signal to determine the distance to each anchor.
Implementation Method 3
While various wireless technologies, such as IEEE 802.11 (e.g., Wi-Fi) and Bluetooth, offer location-based services
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, networks, systems, methods, and processes for providing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) handover recommendations to a client device are provided herein. In order to provide a UWB handover recommendation, a network device may perform a UWB ranging operation against the client device. Upon performing the UWB ranging operation, the network device may select a UWB-enabled AP for a subsequent UWB ranging operation. Further, the network device may transmit, to the client device, the UWB handover recommendation including an indication of a proposed handover to the UWB-enabled AP in order to inform the client device about the UWB-enabled AP. Accordingly, the client device may not struggle in identifying and selecting the UWB-enabled AP for performing the subsequent UWB ranging operation.