Ultra-Wideband Angular Positioning via Asynchronous Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object tracking systems face inaccuracies and ambiguities due to weak direct signals being overwhelmed by delayed reflections, especially with obstructions, and require expensive timing circuitry for synchronization, limiting their accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a receiving unit with multiple receiving elements to detect the relative timing of ultra-wide band signals, determining the angular position of objects with greater accuracy without relying on array data processing or beamforming, and uses asynchronous signal transmission and independent triggering mechanisms to improve signal detection and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If arc-fitting techniques with synchronized receiving antennas are used to determine position, then three-dimensional position information can be obtained, but the system becomes vulnerable to signal reflections and requires expensive timing circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the angular position information from the received signals, discarding the range information that causes problems with reflections. By using a single receiving element to detect the angle of arrival of ultra-wideband pulses, the system avoids the ambiguity of reflection-based positioning while maintaining accuracy through angular measurement alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex synchronized timing circuitry with a simpler asynchronous detection system. Instead of requiring precise synchronization between multiple antennas and a central computer, the system uses a single antenna with asynchronous pulse detection, eliminating the need for expensive timing hardware while maintaining positioning capability through angular measurement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple receiving antennas placed in widely spaced locations are used to detect signals, then three-dimensional position can be established, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function into two independent parts: angular position determination (handled by the single receiving element) and range determination (handled separately by other means). This segmentation allows the receiving system to be simplified to a single element while maintaining the ability to determine full three-dimensional position through combination with other data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring all three spatial dimensions simultaneously using multiple antennas to measuring only the angular dimension (two angles: azimuth and elevation) using a single antenna. The angular measurement provides directional information that, when combined with range data from other sources, reconstructs the three-dimensional position without requiring multiple receiving elements.
3Measurement precision
If delayed signal reflections are present in the reception environment, then positioning accuracy deteriorates, but the system cannot easily distinguish between direct and reflected signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the angular position information from the received signals, discarding the range information that causes problems with reflections. By using a single receiving element to detect the angle of arrival of ultra-wideband pulses, the system avoids the ambiguity of reflection-based positioning while maintaining accuracy through angular measurement alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from time-based range measurement to angle-based directional measurement. By measuring the angle of arrival of ultra-wideband pulses rather than the time of flight, the system becomes immune to reflection interference since angular measurement inherently identifies the direction of the direct signal path.
4Measurement precision
If precise synchronization between receivers and computer is implemented, then position data can be processed, but accurate and expensive timing circuitry is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex synchronized timing circuitry with a simpler asynchronous detection system. Instead of requiring precise synchronization between multiple antennas and a central computer, the system uses a single antenna with asynchronous pulse detection, eliminating the need for expensive timing hardware while maintaining positioning capability through angular measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for external synchronization by making the receiving system self-sufficient through asynchronous detection. Each pulse is detected and processed independently without requiring coordination with a central clock or synchronization signal, allowing the system to function autonomously without expensive timing infrastructure.
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 approach enhances positional accuracy, reduces the need for expensive timing circuitry, and allows for simultaneous tracking of multiple tags with improved robustness against obstructions, achieving accurate angular position determination in three-dimensional space.
Implementation Method 1
detecting means, coupled to the receiving means, for producing an output from which the angular position of the object can be determined; wherein the means for receiving comprises a plurality of receiving elements, and the detecting means is adapted to detect the relative timing of the signal pulse as received at the plurality of receiving elements
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for determining positional information relating to an object, comprising: means for receiving, comprising a plurality of receiving elements; detection means for detecting signals received at the receiving elements and for generating output signals representative of the received signals; and processing means operable to apply, for each receiving element, a process to the output signal generated from the signal received at that receiving element separately from any output signal generated from a signal received at any other receiving element, so as to obtain a respective value of a parameter representative of the signal received at that receiving element, the processing means being further operable to compare the values of the parameter thus obtained so as to, obtain positional information relating to the object.