Zone-Based Positioning Configuration for UWB Collision Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning systems in industrial environments face challenges with limited channel capacity, high collision rates, and inefficient use of resources due to simultaneous motion of multiple tags, leading to suboptimal positioning accuracy and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically updating positioning configurations based on predefined requirements, zone-specific conditions, and local measurements to optimize ranging and communication settings, including selection of positioning technologies and ranging modes, with system-level optimization to avoid collisions and conserve resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If UWB-based positioning solutions are integrated into industrial monitoring systems to achieve high positioning accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but channel capacity limitations cause measurement collisions and reduced measurement success rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts positioning configurations based on real-time channel conditions and measurement requirements. Configuration parameters such as measurement intervals, ranging modes, and resource allocation are adaptively modified to optimize both positioning accuracy and measurement success rate under varying industrial environment conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies key parameters including measurement timing, resource allocation, and ranging protocol selection to balance positioning precision with channel capacity constraints. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system resolves the contradiction between achieving high measurement precision and maintaining reliable measurement success rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If simultaneous motion-based triggering is used for multiple tags to enable real-time tracking, then tracking responsiveness is improved, but channel capacity is exceeded causing measurement collisions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking responsivenessVSAvoidmeasurement collision rate
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the simultaneous measurement requests from multiple tags into time-multiplexed or resource-separated measurement opportunities. By dividing the measurement process into distinct time slots or resource allocations, the system maintains responsive tracking while preventing channel capacity overflow and measurement collisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic measurement cycles with controlled triggering intervals for multiple tags. Instead of allowing completely simultaneous motion-based triggering, the system uses periodic measurement opportunities with coordinated timing to reduce collision probability while maintaining acceptable tracking responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If repeated measurements are performed for constant object positions to ensure positioning accuracy, then measurement reliability is improved, but energy consumption and channel usage increase unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-service mechanisms where the positioning system automatically determines when repeated measurements are necessary based on detected changes in object position or channel conditions. Tags and anchor nodes autonomously adjust their measurement activity, performing repeated measurements only when position changes are detected or reliability thresholds are not met, thereby avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor positioning results and channel conditions to dynamically control measurement frequency. When positioning reliability is sufficient and objects are stationary, the feedback loop reduces measurement frequency to conserve energy. When position changes are detected or reliability degrades, the system automatically increases measurement frequency to maintain accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 positioning accuracy and efficiency by adapting configurations to specific zones and conditions, reducing collisions and resource usage, while maintaining high precision and battery life, and providing alerts for unmet requirements.

Implementation Method 1

measurements are performed between the tag devices and the anchor nodes using radio technology (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, etc.) to determine the precise tag positions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

various methods that use distance measurements between anchors and tag devices may be employed to calculate the tag positions, each having certain benefits and drawbacks. Widely used ranging protocols include Two Way Ranging (TWR) and Time Difference Of Arrival (TDOA)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP4010723B1Technique for updating a positioning configuration
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4010723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4010723B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4010723B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A technique for updating a positioning configuration in a positioning system comprising a plurality of anchor nodes for determining positions of tag devices within a localization area using radio technology is disclosed. A method implementation of the technique comprises determining (S202) an updated positioning configuration for at least one of a set of tag devices and a set of anchor nodes of the positioning system based on predefined positioning requirements that depend on a zone of the localization area in which the set of tag devices is currently located, and applying (S204) the updated positioning configuration to the at least one of the set of tag devices and the set of anchor nodes.