UWB Device Use Restrictions for Precise Indoor Location Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electronics lack sufficient fine-grain location tracking indoors, making it difficult to implement accurate location-based network policies.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) transceivers to determine the location of devices and institute location-based use permissions or restrictions, such as restricting Internet access or software usage based on geographic areas defined by UWB signal tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional location tracking methods are used indoors, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision is insufficient for accurate location-based policies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of UWB beacons deployed throughout the indoor environment. These beacons act as mediators between the mobile device and the location tracking system, providing precise location data without requiring complex processing on the mobile device itself. The beacons transmit location information that can be used to enforce network policies accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or infrastructure-based location tracking with electromagnetic field-based UWB technology. By using radio frequency signals for location determination, the system achieves high precision without the need for complex mechanical tracking mechanisms or extensive infrastructure modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If location-based network policies are implemented, then network management capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to tracking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs self-service by automatically determining its own location using UWB signals and autonomously enforcing network policies based on that location information. The device independently tracks its position relative to UWB beacons and applies appropriate network restrictions without requiring continuous external control or complex server-side processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network policies and location zones before actual usage. Network administrators can define which locations require which policies in advance, and the device has pre-loaded the necessary information to enforce these policies automatically when the device enters designated areas.
3Measurement precision
If UWB transceivers are deployed for location tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB beacons transmit location signals periodically rather than continuously, and the mobile device performs location updates at intervals rather than in real-time. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous tracking, while still providing sufficient precision for network policy enforcement during active usage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts tracking intensity based on device movement and network policy requirements. When the device is stationary or when policies don't require precise location data, tracking is minimized or suspended. When the device enters areas with active policies or when high precision is needed, tracking becomes more intensive, optimizing the balance between accuracy and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an apparatus includes at least one processor and storage accessible to the at least one processor. The storage includes instructions executable by the at least one processor to use an ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver to determine a current location of a device and to, based on the current location as determined using the UWB transceiver, restrict how the device can be used while the device is located at the current location.