UWB Location Infrastructure with Discovery-Based Sensor Provisioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location systems face challenges in providing flexible and seamless integration of various positioning technologies within a localizing zone, especially in industrial environments, with limited scalability and accuracy in tracking multiple objects at different localization rates.
Innovation Solution
A location system incorporating an ultra-wideband (UWB) infrastructure with a discovery infrastructure and a controller to enable two operation modes for localizing sensors, allowing emission of UWB response signals and computation of position information based on received beacon signals, along with a UWB framing protocol for flexible operation and integration of multiple localization rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UWB location system uses a fixed infrastructure configuration, then the system structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility in integrating different positioning technologies and cannot adapt to varying localization rate requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery infrastructure is designed to be technology-agnostic, capable of communicating with various positioning technologies (UWB, BLE, WiFi, 5G) through a unified interface. The controller can dynamically configure the infrastructure to support multiple positioning modes including system-based localization and self-localization, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple functions across different technological standards
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the controller can adjust operational parameters in real-time. The infrastructure can adaptively change localization rates for different objects based on their movement patterns and application requirements, transitioning between different operational modes without requiring physical reconfiguration of the infrastructure
2Quantity of substance
If the location system tracks multiple objects simultaneously, then the coverage capacity increases, but the difficulty of maintaining accurate position information for each object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking of multiple objects by assigning each object a unique identifier and dedicated signal channel. The discovery infrastructure processes discovery advertisement signals from multiple sensors simultaneously, creating separate discovery sessions for each object. This segmentation allows parallel processing of position information for numerous objects while maintaining individual accuracy through isolated signal paths and dedicated computational resources
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the complex interactions between multiple trackable objects and the infrastructure. It coordinates the discovery process, matches sensors with appropriate positioning technologies, and aggregates position information from multiple sources. This intermediary layer simplifies the system architecture by centralizing the management of multiple objects, enabling scalable tracking while preserving measurement precision through coordinated signal processing
3Productivity
If the system provides high localization rates for all objects, then the positioning accuracy and responsiveness improve, but the energy consumption and system load increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements differential localization rates where only certain objects receive high-rate localization services while others operate at lower rates. The controller dynamically adjusts the localization frequency based on object priority, movement characteristics, and application requirements. This partial application of high localization rates reduces overall system energy consumption and load while maintaining high productivity for critical tracking scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including localization rate, signal transmission power, and discovery interval based on real-time conditions. When objects are stationary or in low-priority zones, the system reduces localization frequency and signal strength. When objects move rapidly or enter high-priority zones, the system automatically increases these parameters, optimizing the balance between productivity and energy consumption across the entire system
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
Enables seamless positioning services across different technologies, supports smooth movement of objects in and out of localizing zones, and increases the number of trackable objects while maintaining sufficient localization rates for industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of stationary transmitters configured to emit the ultra-wideband beacon signals into a localizing zone
Implementation Method 2
a discovery infrastructure configured to perform a wireless communication of infrastructure data about the ultra-wideband infrastructure to the localizing sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A location system interacts with a localizing sensor operatable in an ultra-wideband (UWB) localization operation mode requiring computation of position information based on received UWB beacon signals received by the localizing sensor. The location system includes: an UWB infrastructure enabling the localizing for the UWB localization operation mode. The UWB infrastructure has: stationary transmitters emitting the UWB beacon signals into a localizing zone; discovery infrastructure wireless communicating infrastructure data about the UWB infrastructure to the localizing sensor, the discovery infrastructure having a discovery signal transceiver receiving a discovery advertisement signal from the localizing sensor and sending, in response, a provisioning signal with the infrastructure data. A data storage is configured to store the infrastructure data that is required to operate the localizing sensor in the UWB operation mode in accordance with a UWB framing protocol.