UWB Clock Synchronization for Multipath-Resilient Indoor Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location estimation techniques in wireless communication systems, particularly in indoor environments, suffer from inaccuracies due to multipath fading and dynamic obstacles, leading to high measurement variability and the need for dense anchor device deployments that increase cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing double-sided measurements and dynamic obstacle detection to improve time difference of arrival (TDoA) by using both tag and anchor devices to share signals for ranging calculations, and dynamically configuring anchor device clusters to minimize line-of-sight obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-sided measurements are used for location estimation, then the system implementation is simpler, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to multipath fading and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines single-sided and double-sided measurement techniques into a unified system. The location estimation system uses single-sided measurements for basic positioning while integrating double-sided measurements to correct for multipath fading and obstacle effects, achieving high accuracy without requiring complete system complexity
2Measurement precision
If dense anchor device deployments are used to improve location estimation accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic anchor device configuration where the system adaptively selects and configures anchor devices based on environmental conditions, signal quality, and measurement requirements. This dynamic approach allows accurate location estimation with fewer anchors by optimizing their placement and usage in real-time rather than deploying dense static networks
3Measurement precision
If double-sided measurements are implemented to reduce measurement variability, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies double-sided measurements selectively rather than universally. The system performs double-sided measurements for critical anchor pairs or under specific conditions where multipath effects are detected, while using single-sided measurements for less critical cases, achieving high precision without the full complexity of universal double-sided measurement implementation
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
Enhances location estimation accuracy to decimeter or centimeter levels, reducing the need for dense anchor deployments and minimizing the impact of multipath fading and dynamic obstacles, thereby improving indoor positioning efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
multipath ultrawideband nodes... suffer from inaccuracies due to multipath fading
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein are directed to tracking location by a positioning service. For instance, a method includes: receiving distance measurements from a first anchor device; determining a trust value associated with a path between the first anchor device and a second anchor device based on the distance measurements, wherein the trust value corresponds to whether the path is obstructed; determining a first measurement interval to measure a distance from the first anchor device to the second anchor device based on a single-sided measurement and a second measurement interval to measure the distance from the first anchor device to the second anchor device based on a double-sided measurement; and sending an anchor configuration to the first anchor device including the first measurement interval for the single-sided measurement and the second measurement interval for the double-sided measurement of the second anchor device.