UWB Blind Spot Detection with Geofenced Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind spot detection systems for vehicles suffer from limitations in configuration options, accuracy, precision, scalability, and high installation costs, making them unsuitable for outdoor environments like yards and construction sites.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using UWB anchors and a TWR/TDoA fusion technique to determine the position of a person relative to a vehicle's blind spot, employing a geofence and point-in-polygon algorithm for accurate positioning, even at a distance, with scalable and low-cost implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional blind spot detection systems are used, then detection capability is provided, but configuration options are limited, accuracy is insufficient, scalability is restricted, and installation cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using UWB technology as a multi-functional platform that simultaneously provides positioning, velocity estimation, and blind spot detection capabilities. The same UWB anchors and mobile devices serve multiple purposes: determining position via TWR/TDoA, estimating velocity through position changes over time, and detecting blind spot conditions. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function, reducing system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical blind spot detection systems with electromagnetic-based UWB positioning technology. Instead of using mechanical sensors, cameras, or radar systems that require complex installation and calibration, the solution uses UWB radio signals for position determination. The mobile device's processor calculates position and velocity purely through signal processing of UWB time stamps, substituting mechanical/electronic detection systems with a software-based computational approach that reduces hardware complexity.
2Measurement precision
If more anchors are deployed to improve positioning accuracy outside anchor clusters, then measurement precision improves, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges TWR and TDoA techniques into a unified positioning approach. By combining the distance information from TWR with the directional information from TDoA, the system achieves accurate position determination even when the mobile device is far from the anchor cluster. This fusion of two positioning methods allows accurate blind spot detection without requiring anchors to be densely distributed throughout the entire operational area, reducing the total number of anchors needed while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional positioning (horizontal plane only) to three-dimensional positioning by incorporating vertical anchor placement and 3D coordinate calculations. The position determination uses x, y, and z coordinates, allowing anchors to be positioned at different heights on the vehicle. This third dimension provides additional geometric diversity for position calculation, enabling accurate determination of objects at various distances and angles without requiring a proportional increase in the number of anchors.
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 accurate detection of individuals within 50 cm of a vehicle and up to 50 m away, scalable for multiple blind spots, and low installation costs, enhancing safety in industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
determining a distance between the UWB item and the reference anchor based on a Two-Way Ranging (TWR) technique; determining a position of the UWB item with respect to the two or more UWB anchors based on the determined distance and the determined direction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method, system and computer program product for determining a position of a person with respect to a blind spot of a vehicle. In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for determining a position of a person with respect to a blind spot of a vehicle. In a second and third aspect, the invention relates to a system and a computer program product, respectively, for determining a position of a person with respect to a blind spot of a vehicle. Embodiments of the present invention are discussed throughout the claims, description and figures.