Direction Finding Using UWB Antenna Directivity Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing navigation technologies, such as GNSS-satellites and radio-based methods, face inefficiencies in indoor navigation and sub-meter accuracy due to signal reflections and propagation distortions, and lack independence from external infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method using Ultra Wideband (UWB) signals with directional antennas forming two directivity fields to determine the direction of a radio tag by equalizing field intensities, enabling accurate direction finding without external infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional radio-based point to point angle of arrival methods are used, then direction finding capability is achieved, but accuracy deteriorates due to reflections and propagation distortions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirection finding accuracyVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the received signal into direct path signal and reflected path signals based on their arrival times. By separating these components temporally, the system can selectively process only the direct path signal for angle of arrival calculation, eliminating the corrupting influence of reflections on the measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary signal processing to identify and isolate the direct path signal before conducting angle of arrival measurements. By preprocessing the signal to remove reflected components in advance, the system ensures that subsequent direction finding operations are performed on clean, undistorted data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If image pattern recognition methods are used for object tracking, then object identification capability is achieved, but processing power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject identification capabilityVSAvoidprocessing power

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex image processing algorithms with a simpler radio signal-based direction finding mechanism. Instead of analyzing visual patterns and features that require substantial computational resources, the system uses phase and amplitude information from radio signals to determine object location, dramatically reducing processing power requirements while maintaining tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If GNSS-satellites and base stations are used for navigation, then positioning capability is achieved, but independence from external infrastructure is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-contained direction finding system that operates independently using only a handheld device and a stationary base unit. The system performs angle of arrival measurements and position calculation locally without requiring connection to GNSS satellites, cellular base stations, or any external infrastructure, enabling autonomous navigation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If conventional antenna systems are used, then signal reception is achieved, but direction finding accuracy deteriorates due to inability to differentiate signal paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal direction detection accuracyVSAvoidantenna system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an asymmetric antenna configuration where the handheld device contains a single antenna and the stationary base unit contains multiple antennas arranged in a specific asymmetric pattern. This asymmetric setup creates unique signal path characteristics that enable the system to distinguish between direct and reflected signals based on their different propagation paths, improving direction finding accuracy without requiring complex symmetric arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Achieves high accuracy in determining the direction of a radio signal within ±2 degrees across all solid angles, with improved noise tolerance and range, independent of external infrastructure, and capable of indoor navigation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one antenna capable to form at least two directivity fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDirectivity field formation:

Data Source

PatentUS10466333B2Apparatus, system and method for finding direction

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 SHARPEYE SYST OY

AI summary

An apparatus, a system and a method for finding a direction of a radio tag having a transmitter and at least one antenna for sending signals to the apparatus. The apparatus including a receiver; at least one antenna capable to form at least two directivity fields; and means for determining the direction of the apparatus by a first path signal received from the radio tag by the at least two directivity fields of the at least one antenna of the apparatus. The direction is found by turning the apparatus to a direction of the most intense directivity field of the first path signal until the field intensities of the two directivity fields are equal.