UWB RF Anchor Mode Switching for Accurate Low-Traffic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF access systems, particularly UWB systems, face challenges in obtaining precise localization while minimizing irrelevant traffic and power consumption due to signal reflections and attenuation caused by objects and individuals, especially in systems with multiple anchors.
Innovation Solution
Switching from first RF ranging operations to a second mode combining UWB ranging and UWB radar operations when first ranging results are unreliable, utilizing radar results to enhance positioning accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple anchors are used to cover larger spatial region and determine actual position by multilateration, then positioning coverage and accuracy are improved, but traffic volume and power consumption increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different operational modes to different anchors based on their specific spatial relationships with the key device. Anchors with line-of-sight connections operate in ranging mode while others operate in radar mode, optimizing each anchor's contribution based on local conditions rather than uniform operation across all anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches anchors between first mode (ranging operations) and second mode (radar operations) based on real-time evaluation of ranging results and spatial relationships. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy by activating full ranging functionality only when necessary.
2Reliability
If multiple anchors operate in first mode continuously, then ranging results are obtained for all anchors, but irrelevant traffic is generated by anchors not in immediate field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by evaluating ranging result quality individually for each anchor and applying different operational modes based on local conditions. Anchors with reliable ranging results continue in first mode while those with unreliable results switch to second mode, optimizing traffic efficiency without compromising overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by having only the necessary subset of anchors perform full ranging operations while other anchors perform simplified radar operations. This partial execution of ranging operations eliminates excessive traffic from anchors not in immediate field of view while maintaining sufficient positioning reliability.
3Measurement precision
If anchors switch to second mode combining ranging and radar operations, then positioning precision is improved and traffic is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the anchor system to perform multiple functions - both ranging operations and radar operations - within a single device. This multi-functionality allows anchors to adapt their operational mode based on conditions, improving positioning precision while managing complexity through unified hardware design that handles both operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages operational complexity through dynamic mode switching based on evaluated conditions. Anchors transition between first mode and second mode based on real-time assessment of ranging result quality and spatial relationships, allowing the system to achieve higher precision when needed while maintaining simpler operation during normal conditions.
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 quicker and more precise determination of key device position with reduced UWB traffic and power consumption by integrating radar operations with UWB ranging.
Implementation Method 1
a second mode comprising second RF ranging operations, such as second UWB ranging operations, and RF radar operations, such as UWB radar operations
Implementation Method 2
first RF ranging operations for determining a first ranging result for the anchor relative to the key device
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a method of operating an RF access system, the system comprising an anchor arranged at a predetermined location and configured to communicate with one or more key devices. The method comprises: operating the anchor in a first mode. the first mode comprising first RF ranging operations for determining a first ranging result for the anchor relative to a key device: determining whether the first ranging result fulfils a predetermined condition: if the first ranging result fulfils the predetermined condition, operating the anchor in a second mode, the second mode comprising second RF ranging operations for determining a second ranging result for the anchor relative to the key device, and RF radar operations for determining a radar result for the anchor relative to a holder of the key device; and determining position information associated with the key device based on the second ranging result and the radar result. Furthermore, a method of operating au RF access system comprising a plurality of anchors is described. Finally. RF access systems configured to perform the methods are described.