UWB Node Positioning Using Merged Anchor Poll Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
UWB communication networks face limitations in determining the position of multiple nodes quickly and accurately due to high processing costs, energy consumption, and limited channel capacity, which restricts the number of nodes that can be localized, especially with methods like Two-Way Ranging that require multiple messages for each distance measurement.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a primary anchor and a secondary anchor to transmit poll and response messages, with a processing unit calculating node positions based on timing information, and optionally compensating clock drift, to reduce the number of messages needed and increase the number of nodes that can be localized, while using slot-based anti-collision scheduling to manage channel capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Two-Way Ranging is used to determine node position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase due to requiring multiple messages for each distance measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distance measurements into a single message exchange sequence. Instead of requiring separate two-way ranging exchanges for each anchor, the system merges the measurements so that one poll message and one response message enable the node to measure distances to multiple anchors simultaneously, reducing the total number of messages while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The poll message and response message serve multiple functions: they enable distance measurements to multiple anchors, carry timing information for position calculation, and support anti-collision scheduling. This multi-functionality reduces the overhead of position determination while maintaining accuracy
2Productivity
If multiple anchors are used to increase the number of localizable nodes, then productivity is improved, but use of energy and channel capacity consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges distance measurements to multiple anchors into a single message exchange, reducing the energy required per node localization event. By combining measurements that would otherwise require separate message exchanges, the total energy consumption across multiple anchors is reduced while maintaining the ability to localize more nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses slot-based anti-collision scheduling with periodic time slots for message exchanges. This periodic structure allows multiple nodes to be localized efficiently by distributing measurements across different time slots, reducing channel capacity consumption and energy usage per node while increasing overall system productivity
3Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods are used, then position determination accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases due to high processing resources required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having anchors transmit poll messages that contain pre-synchronized timing information. The node captures timing data from multiple anchors in a single message exchange sequence, and the position is calculated using pre-computed timing differences, reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips intermediate message exchanges by directly calculating position from timing information captured in a single poll-response sequence. Instead of requiring multiple back-and-forth messages for each anchor, the method rushes through the measurement process by capturing all necessary timing data in one exchange and computing position directly
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 allows for accurate and efficient localization of a larger number of nodes with reduced processing resources and energy consumption, while maintaining high accuracy and flexibility in node positioning within the communication network.
Implementation Method 1
a processing unit calculates the position of the node using timing information of the poll message transmission by the primary anchor, of the poll message reception by the node and the secondary anchor, of the response message transmission by the node, and of the response message reception by the primary anchor and the secondary anchor
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method is conceived for determining the position of at least one node in a communication network, wherein the communication network comprises a localization system that includes a processing unit, a primary anchor and at least one secondary anchor, the method comprising: the primary anchor transmits a poll message to the node and to the secondary anchor; the primary anchor receives a response message from the node; the secondary anchor receives said poll message from the primary anchor and said response message from the node; the processing unit calculates the position of the node using position information and timing information, wherein said position information is position information of the primary anchor and of the secondary anchor, and wherein said timing information is timing information of the poll message transmission by the primary anchor, of the poll message reception by the node and the secondary anchor, of the response message transmission by the node, and of the response message reception by the primary anchor and the secondary anchor.