UWB Device Discovery Scheduling for Low-Latency Multi-Device Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing device discovery methods using Bluetooth low energy (BLE) face limitations in the number of simultaneously connected devices and suffer from latency issues, which are not suitable for applications requiring low power and low latency.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for device discovery using UWB that includes transmitting and receiving control messages with information on a contention window, scheduling request messages, and configuring scheduled resources to manage device discovery effectively, allowing for both low power and low latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If Bluetooth low energy (BLE) device discovery method is used, then power consumption is reduced, but latency increases and the number of simultaneously connected devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlatency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device discovery process into two distinct phases: an initial discovery phase using BLE to find devices, and a subsequent ranging phase using UWB for precise distance measurement and connectivity management. This segmentation allows each technology to operate in its optimal performance zone, with BLE handling device discovery efficiently and UWB handling the actual ranging with low latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces BLE as an intermediary technology that facilitates the connection between devices before UWB ranging begins. The BLE connection acts as a mediator that enables devices to discover each other and establish initial communication, after which UWB takes over for the actual ranging operation. This intermediary approach allows UWB to achieve low latency ranging while BLE handles the initial discovery with low power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If Bluetooth low energy (BLE) device discovery method is used, then power consumption is reduced, but the number of simultaneously connected devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnumber of simultaneously connected devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the connectivity functionality into two separate systems: BLE handles device discovery and initial connection establishment, while UWB handles the actual ranging and high-speed data transfer. This segmentation allows the system to support more simultaneous connections because UWB's capability is not constrained by BLE's connection limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a hybrid system that combines the strengths of both BLE and UWB technologies. BLE provides universal device discovery capability that works across different device types, while UWB provides enhanced ranging and connectivity capabilities. Together, they create a multi-functional system that overcomes the limitations of either technology used alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If UWB ranging procedure is performed without scheduled resources, then device discovery speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice discovery speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary device discovery and connection establishment using BLE before initiating the UWB ranging procedure. This preliminary action allows the system to identify target devices and establish basic connectivity through low-power BLE communication, so that when UWB ranging begins, the devices are already paired and ready, reducing the need for continuous high-power scanning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic UWB ranging operations scheduled at specific intervals rather than continuous operation. The system uses BLE to manage periodic connection events and triggers UWB ranging only when needed, allowing the UWB radio to remain in low-power state between scheduled operations while maintaining device discovery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12574716B2Method and device for device discovery using UWB

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method and a device for device discovery using ultra-wideband (UWB). A method for a first UWB includes transmitting a control message including information on a contention window for contention-based access by using a UWB communication scheme; receiving a scheduling request message for scheduling-based access, in a slot in the contention window from a second UWB device by using the UWB communication scheme; and configuring a scheduled slot for the second UWB device, based on the scheduling request message. The scheduling request message may be used for in-band device discovery.