UWB Localization Device with Non-UWB Transceiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Localization devices in real-time location systems (RTLS) face challenges in determining their location accurately, especially in environments where GPS signaling is difficult, and may lack the necessary functionalities for UWB communication, such as UWB capability, computing power, or user interface, which prevents them from performing wireless localization.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a localization device using a UWB radio to obtain UWB timing data from UWB anchors and transmitting this data via a non-UWB transceiver to a localization engine, which determines the device's location using the UWB timing data, distributing the necessary functionalities across multiple components within the RTLS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the localization device uses UWB communications to determine location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring UWB capability, computing power, and user interface
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the localization functionality into separate components: the localization device only needs to obtain and transmit UWB timing data, while the localization engine (separate from the localization device) performs the complex location determination calculations. This segmentation allows the localization device to remain simple while achieving accurate location determination through the distributed architecture.
2Device complexity
If the localization device lacks certain functionalities, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because the device cannot determine location using UWB communications
Solution Approach 1:
The non-UWB transceiver acts as an intermediary that bridges the localization device and the localization engine. It transmits the UWB timing data obtained by the simple localization device to the localization engine, enabling the device to achieve accurate location determination without needing complex UWB processing capabilities or a user interface.
3Ease of operation
If GPS signaling is used for localization, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates in environments with challenging GPS conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces GPS satellite-based electromagnetic signaling with UWB (Ultra-Wideband) communication for timing data acquisition. UWB signals are less susceptible to blockage and interference in challenging environments such as indoor or urban canyons, providing more reliable and accurate location determination while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.
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 enables accurate wireless localization in RTLS even when the device lacks certain functionalities, improving accuracy, stability, and operability in environments with challenging GPS conditions by leveraging UWB communication and distributing the required functionalities among multiple components.
Implementation Method 1
the localization device may use Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communications
Implementation Method 2
transmitting, via a non-UWB transceiver of the localization device, the UWB timing data to a localization engine
Data Source
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Figure 5A
AI summary
Embodiments of a method and an apparatus for wireless localization are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for wireless localization involves obtaining, by an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) radio of a localization device, UWB timing data from UWB anchors, transmitting, via a non-UWB transceiver of the localization device, the UWB timing data to a localization engine, and determining, by the localization engine, a location of the localization device using the UWB timing data.