UWB Device Selection via Angle of Arrival

Solution Overview

Problem

Universal remote-control units face challenges in accurately selecting a specific electronic device among multiple candidates due to limitations in inertial measurement units (IMUs) and signal strength indicator (RSSI) accuracy, leading to incorrect device selection.

Innovation Solution

A control system utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) communication and processing units to select electronic devices based on the smallest angle of arrival of UWB signals, combined with inertial measurement unit data for precise device identification and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If universal remote-control units are used to control multiple electronic devices, then device versatility is improved, but device selection accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control versatilityVSAvoiddevice selection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/inertial measurement systems with electromagnetic wave-based angle of arrival measurement. Instead of relying on IMU sensors that track remote control orientation, the system uses UWB signal propagation characteristics to determine the angle between the remote control and each electronic device, providing more accurate device selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from signal strength (RSSI) to angle of arrival. By measuring the angular relationship between the remote control and electronic devices using UWB signal characteristics, the system achieves more precise device identification compared to traditional signal strength-based methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If inertial measurement units are used to determine remote control orientation, then device selection capability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice selection capabilityVSAvoidorientation measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/inertial measurement systems with electromagnetic wave-based angle of arrival measurement. Instead of relying on IMU sensors that track remote control orientation, the system uses UWB signal propagation characteristics to determine the angle between the remote control and each electronic device, providing more accurate device selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If signal strength indicator is used to identify target device, then device identification capability is improved, but identification accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice identification capabilityVSAvoiddevice identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from signal strength (RSSI) to angle of arrival. By measuring the angular relationship between the remote control and electronic devices using UWB signal characteristics, the system achieves more precise device identification compared to traditional signal strength-based methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 accurate and effective selection of targeted electronic devices, improving user experience by ensuring correct device control through precise positioning and orientation determination.

Implementation Method 1

A control system utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) communication and processing units to select electronic devices based on the smallest angle of arrival of UWB signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltra-wideband signal reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3848918B1System and method for controlling electronic devices

Publication Date: 2024.10.02 NXP BV

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AI summary

In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a control system is provided for controlling electronic devices, the control system comprising: an ultra-wideband communication unit configured to receive ultra-wideband signals from the electronic devices, and a processing unit configured to select a specific electronic device among said electronic devices for further communication, wherein the processing unit is configured to select said specific electronic device using an angle of arrival of the ultra-wideband signals received from the electronic devices. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding control method for controlling electronic devices is conceived. In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a control system for controlling electronic devices, cause said control system to carry out or control a method of the kind set forth.