UWB Localization Device Angle of Arrival Validation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
UWB-based localization systems face challenges in accurately determining object positions due to erroneous angle of arrival measurements, particularly in distinguishing between line of sight (LOS) and non-line of sight (NLOS) scenarios, which affects system stability and increases costs when using redundant components.
Innovation Solution
A localization device and method that combine ultra-wideband communication, angle of arrival measurement, and orientation sensing to determine if a distance measurement was performed in an LOS or NLOS scenario, using a predefined relationship between the angle and orientation data from both the localization device and the external device, allowing for reliable localization by discarding NLOS measurements and utilizing LOS data for positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UWB technology is used for localization, then high precision and high data throughput are achieved, but accurate position determination is not always possible due to erroneous angle of arrival measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by comparing the measured angle of arrival with the angle calculated from orientation sensors and known device orientations. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect and discard erroneous NLOS measurements while accepting valid LOS measurements, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements using orientation sensors (magnetometer, gyroscope) before final position calculation. These preliminary orientation data are used to predict expected signal angles, which are then compared with actual AOA measurements to filter out erroneous data before position determination, improving both precision and reliability.
2Reliability
If redundant components are used to distinguish LOS and NLOS scenarios, then measurement reliability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation sensors (magnetometer, gyroscope) serve multiple functions: they track device orientation for user interaction and simultaneously provide data for distinguishing LOS/NLOS scenarios. This multi-functionality allows the system to improve measurement reliability without adding redundant dedicated components, avoiding increased system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing orientation sensor data to validate AOA measurements and distinguish between LOS and NLOS scenarios. Rather than requiring external redundant components, the system self-services by leveraging its built-in sensors to improve measurement reliability, thereby avoiding additional costs.
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
This approach enhances the reliability of localization by accurately distinguishing between LOS and NLOS measurements without significantly increasing the system's cost, ensuring more precise positioning and reducing measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
an ultra-wideband, UWB, communication unit configured to transmit a localization signal to an external device and to receive a response signal from the external device
Implementation Method 2
an angle of arrival measurement unit configured to measure an angle at which the response signal is received
Implementation Method 3
the orientation sensor includes a magnetometer
Implementation Method 4
the orientation sensor further includes a gyroscope
Implementation Method 5
the processing unit is configured to estimate a position of the external device using said angle at which the response signal is received and a distance determined on the basis of a time of flight of the localization signal and the response signal
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a localization device is provided, comprising: an ultra-wideband, UWB, communication unit configured to transmit a localization signal to an external device and to receive a response signal from the external device; an angle of arrival measurement unit configured to measure an angle at which the response signal is received; an orientation sensor configured to sense an orientation of the localization device; and a processing unit configured to determine if an angle at which the localization signal is received by the external device, an orientation of the external device, said orientation of the localization device, and said angle at which the response signal is received meet a predefined relationship. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of operating a localization device is conceived.