UWB Position Estimation with Dynamic Anchor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS-based positioning technologies in autonomous vehicles suffer from inaccuracies exceeding the required 30 cm precision for safe autonomous travel, necessitating improved position estimation methods using Ultra WideBand (UWB) technology.
Innovation Solution
A position estimation apparatus and method that switches from a UWB static to a dynamic domain upon vehicle startup, operates anchors, and employs advanced trilateration and smart anchor positioning algorithms to estimate object positions using UWB pulse waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based positioning technology is used, then the system is simple and widely available, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient (2-5m error) for autonomous vehicle requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS positioning with UWB (Ultra-Wideband) positioning technology to create an integrated positioning system. The GPS provides coarse positioning while UWB anchors and tags provide fine-grained positioning, merging both systems to achieve high accuracy (within 30cm) while maintaining system simplicity through modular integration
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is designed to work in multiple domains (static and dynamic) and can serve various functions including vehicle positioning, object tracking, and navigation. The same UWB infrastructure serves both positioning and communication functions, reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If UWB technology is used for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy improves to within 30cm, but the system complexity increases due to additional anchors and algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the positioning function into two parts: UWB anchors fixed in the vehicle providing reference points, and UWB tags on moving objects providing position data. This segmentation allows the complex positioning calculations to be distributed, with anchors performing trilateration locally and the central system integrating results from multiple anchors
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between static domain (vehicle parked) and dynamic domain (vehicle moving) operation modes. In static domain, anchors use stable positions for positioning; in dynamic domain, the system adapts to moving anchor positions, adjusting algorithms accordingly to maintain accuracy while managing complexity
3Measurement precision
If advanced algorithms (ATM and SAP) are implemented, then position estimation accuracy and link formation rates improve, but computational requirements and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing UWB links between anchors and tags before positioning calculations are needed. The anchors continuously monitor and maintain link formation with tags, so when positioning is required, the data and connections are already prepared, reducing real-time computational burden
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where positioning results are continuously refined based on link formation rates and measurement quality. The ATM and SAP algorithms use feedback from multiple anchor measurements to iteratively improve position estimates, balancing computational effort with accuracy requirements
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
Enhances position estimation accuracy and link formation rates, enabling precise vehicle and object positioning for safe autonomous navigation.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more anchors and the tag transmit and receive UWB pulse waves
Data Source
AI summary
A position estimation method is performed by a position estimation apparatus, wherein the position estimation method includes switching from a UWB static domain to a UWB dynamic domain when a startup state of a vehicle is switched from OFF to ON; operating one or more anchors mounted on the vehicle; and estimating a position of a tag by performing at least one of an advanced trilateration measurement (ATM) algorithm and a smart anchor positioning (SAP) algorithm, wherein the one or more anchors and the tag transmit and receive ultra wideband (UWB) pulse waves.