UWB Antenna Orientation Detection Using PDoA and AoA

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining the relative orientation of a remote device using radio signals alone is challenging and often requires additional sensors that consume excessive power and processing resources.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing phase difference values between multiple antennas and angle of arrival (AoA) values from the remote device, along with lookup tables or machine learning, to determine the relative orientation without relying on additional sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional sensors are used to determine relative orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelative orientation determination accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical sensors (mechanical/inertial systems) with a radio signal-based electromagnetic field system. By using phase difference of arrival (PDoA) and angle of arrival (AoA) calculations from radio signals received by multiple antennas, the system determines relative orientation without requiring additional sensors on either device, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces radio signals as an intermediary medium to transmit orientation information between devices. Instead of directly measuring orientation with sensors, the system uses radio signal propagation characteristics (phase differences and arrival angles) as intermediaries to indirectly determine relative orientation, reducing the need for additional sensing hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If additional sensors are used to determine relative orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelative orientation determination accuracyVSAvoidsensor quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing radio communication system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both data transmission and orientation determination. The same radio signals used for communication also carry spatial information through their propagation characteristics, allowing the existing antenna system to serve dual purposes without adding dedicated orientation sensing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces sensor-based mechanical measurement systems with an electromagnetic field-based system. By calculating PDoA and AoA from radio signal phase and arrival information, the system achieves orientation determination using signal processing rather than physical sensors, reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If radio signals alone are used to determine relative orientation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor quantityVSAvoidrelative orientation determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds spatial dimensionality to radio signal processing by utilizing phase difference of arrival (PDoA) and angle of arrival (AoA) measurements. By analyzing the spatial characteristics of radio signals across multiple antennas and calculating angular information, the system extracts orientation data from the spatial domain, enhancing measurement precision without adding sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters used for orientation determination from direct sensor measurements to derived radio signal parameters. By calculating PDoA (phase difference) and AoA (arrival angle) from radio signal characteristics, the system transforms communication signals into spatial measurement data, achieving accurate orientation determination through parameter transformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Reduces processing and power consumption needs by eliminating the need for extra sensors, while accurately determining the relative orientation of the remote device.

Implementation Method 1

detect an arrival of a radio signal at the first antenna and the second antenna. The radio signal may be received from a remote device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260072117A1UWB device orientation detector

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

Techniques for determining relative orientations using radio communications are described. In an example, a computerized device includes a housing, first and second antennas mirror oriented across an axis of the computerized device, and a processing system in communication with the first and second antennas. The phase difference of arrival (PDoA) between the arrival of a radio signal received from a remote device at the first and second antennas, and an angle of arrival (AoA) for the radio signal from the remote device, are determined. Using the PDoA and the AoA, a relative orientation of the remote device with respect to the computerized device is determined and an indication of the relative orientation is outputted.