UWB Localization Fusion for Device Guidance and Intruder Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UWB-based localization systems are limited in effectiveness for guiding individuals to UWB-enabled devices and detecting intruders without requiring a user to carry a UWB-equipped device, particularly for visually impaired or blind users, and lack reliability in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A localization system utilizing both UWB ranging and radar modes, combined with sensor fusion and audio data, to guide individuals to UWB-enabled devices and detect unauthorized persons by performing complementary operations to enhance reliability and applicability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UWB ranging mode is used to determine distance between devices, then localization precision is improved, but the system requires a user to carry a UWB-equipped device which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (such as a smartphone with camera and sensor fusion capabilities) that mediates between the UWB communication units and the user. This intermediary can perform sensor fusion using camera, accelerometer, and other sensors to achieve localization without requiring the user to carry a dedicated UWB device, thus maintaining measurement precision while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the UWB communication unit perform multiple functions: both traditional ranging operations and radar operations for detecting objects and persons. By making the communication unit universal, the system can guide users and detect intruders without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function, improving ease of operation while maintaining precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If UWB radar mode is used to detect objects and persons, then the system can detect intruders without UWB devices, but localization precision deteriorates compared to ranging mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges UWB ranging operations and UWB radar operations into a unified system that can selectively use or combine both modes. By combining the high-precision ranging data with the versatile radar detection capabilities, the system achieves both adaptability (detecting both UWB-equipped and non-UWB-equipped objects) and maintains measurement precision through sensor fusion and complementary operations
3Measurement precision
If only ranging mode is used for localization, then localization precision is high for UWB-equipped devices, but the system cannot detect non-UWB-equipped persons reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the UWB communication unit universal by enabling both ranging and radar modes. This allows the system to reliably detect both UWB-equipped devices (with high precision ranging) and non-UWB-equipped persons (through radar detection), thereby improving overall system reliability while maintaining adaptability across different device types
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 effective guidance to UWB-enabled devices and reliable intruder detection by determining distances and orientations without requiring a user to carry a UWB device, improving usability for visually impaired users and enhancing security in predefined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
UWB technology may be used for so-called ranging operations, e.g. for determining the distance between communicating devices
Implementation Method 2
UWB technology may be used to carry out radar operations, e.g. for detecting objects or persons within a predefined space
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a localization system is provided, comprising: one or more ultra-wideband (UWB) communication nodes; a controller operatively coupled to the UWB communication nodes; wherein at least one of the UWB communication nodes is configured to perform a first localization operation, wherein said first localization operation is performed in a ranging mode; wherein at least one of the UWB communication nodes is configured to perform a second localization operation, wherein said second localization operation is performed in a radar mode; wherein the controller is configured to perform a predefined function on an output of the first localization operation and an output of the second localization operation. In accordance with further aspects of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of operating a localization is conceived, and a computer program is provided for carrying out said method.