UWB Localization Mode Switching for Low-Power Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Localization processes using UWB technology in smart vehicle access systems increase power consumption, leading to frequent battery replacements or larger battery requirements, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that switches UWB communication nodes between ranging and radar modes based on estimated distance, allowing the external device to enter a power-down state when not exchanging messages, reducing power consumption while maintaining tracking accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UWB communication nodes continuously exchange messages for localization, then localization precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches the UWB communication node between ranging mode and radar mode based on the estimated distance to the external device. When the device is far away, ranging mode provides precise localization through message exchange. When the device approaches within threshold distance, the system transitions to radar mode for continuous tracking with reduced power consumption, thus adapting the localization method to the current operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the UWB communication node by switching between two distinct modes: ranging mode (for precise distance measurement through bidirectional message exchange) and radar mode (for unidirectional tracking with lower power consumption). This parameter change allows the system to optimize the balance between localization precision and power consumption based on real-time distance conditions.
2Measurement precision
If UWB communication nodes operate in ranging mode for accurate localization, then localization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the localization process into two distinct phases: an initial ranging phase for accurate distance measurement and device identification, followed by a radar tracking phase for continuous monitoring. This segmentation allows the system to use the more complex ranging protocol only when necessary (for initial localization), while relying on the simpler radar protocol for ongoing tracking, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary ranging operations to establish the initial distance and trigger conditions before switching to radar mode. This preliminary action ensures that the external device is properly identified and the threshold distance is accurately determined before transitioning to the simpler radar tracking protocol, maintaining localization accuracy while reducing subsequent complexity.
3Reliability
If UWB communication nodes maintain continuous communication for tracking, then tracking reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic ranging operations at predetermined intervals when in radar mode, rather than continuous bidirectional communication. This periodic action maintains tracking reliability by regularly updating distance measurements while allowing the external device to enter low-power states between intervals, thus significantly reducing power consumption while preserving essential tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The UWB communication node on the infrastructure side performs self-service radar tracking by transmitting and processing signals unilaterally, without requiring active participation from the external device. This self-service capability enables continuous tracking with high reliability while allowing the external device to minimize its power consumption by keeping its UWB transceiver in a low-power state.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided for facilitating localizing an external device, the system comprising: at least one UWB communication node; a controller operatively coupled to said UWB communication node, wherein the controller is configured to switch the UWB communication node between a ranging mode of operation and a radar mode of operation in dependence on an estimated distance between the UWB communication node and the external device.