Distributed Location Relay for UWB Coverage Beyond Walls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location systems using higher frequency wireless signals, such as ultra-wideband (UWB), are limited by their inability to penetrate walls, leading to gaps in coverage and impairing the provision of location-based services for mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A distributed system utilizing an intermediate mobile device to determine the location of a remote mobile device by calculating its position relative to an anchor unit and the intermediate device, combining these positions to find the remote device's absolute location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If higher frequency wireless signals (e.g., UWB) are used for location determination, then location precision is improved, but signal penetration capability through walls deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate devices (relay nodes) that act as mediators between anchor units and remote mobile devices. These intermediate devices receive location requests from remote devices, determine their own positions relative to anchor units, and forward requests or relay position information to extend the effective coverage range while maintaining the precision benefits of higher frequency signals within each hop's communication range.
2Area of stationary object
If intermediate devices are deployed to extend coverage range, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination system into hierarchical levels: anchor units with known positions, intermediate devices that relay requests and determine their own positions, and remote mobile devices. This segmentation allows the system to extend coverage by adding intermediate nodes without requiring complete system redesign, as each segment operates with standardized protocols for position determination and request relaying.
3Measurement precision
If direct connection between anchor unit and remote mobile device is required, then measurement precision is improved, but coverage range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-hop direct connection model to a multi-hop indirect connection model, adding the dimension of relay nodes in the communication path. This allows the system to achieve both precision (through direct anchor-to-intermediate connections) and extended range (through intermediate-to-remote connections), effectively solving the contradiction by operating in a multi-dimensional network topology rather than requiring direct line-of-sight connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for location determination in a distributed system are disclosed. In one aspect, the distributed system operates at frequencies where obstacles and distance may preclude direct connection between a system node and a remote mobile device. The system may determine the location of the remote mobile device using an intermediate device and thus be a location system. Specifically, a position of the intermediate device relative to the system node is calculated and a position of the remote mobile device relative to the intermediate device is calculated. The two positions may be combined to determine a position of the remote mobile device relative to the system node. Once the location of the remote mobile device is known relative to the system node, a variety of location services become available.