UWB Indoor Positioning Role Negotiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic device positioning methods, such as GPS and Wi-Fi, are inaccurate indoors and fail to adaptively use various positioning algorithms due to limitations in signal characteristics and power consumption, leading to security issues and inefficient interactions between devices with different positioning capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The use of ultra-wideband signals for accurate indoor positioning, enabling flexible adjacency-based access by negotiating roles and algorithms between electronic devices, allowing for precise distance and direction measurement with low power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If satellite system-based positioning (GPS) is used, then positioning can be performed, but accuracy deteriorates severely indoors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidindoor positioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the positioning parameter from satellite-based global positioning to ultra-wideband (UWB) signal-based local positioning. UWB signals operate at different frequency parameters and propagation characteristics, enabling accurate indoor positioning by measuring time of flight and signal characteristics within the building environment, thus resolving the GPS accuracy deterioration indoors problem

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces UWB signals as an intermediary between devices for positioning purposes. Instead of relying on satellite signals, the system uses UWB electromagnetic waves transmitted between electronic devices to measure distance and determine position, serving as a mediator that enables accurate indoor positioning without requiring satellite coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple positioning algorithms are implemented, then adaptability to different devices improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning algorithm adaptabilityVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic role negotiation between positioning devices. Instead of having all devices run complex positioning algorithms, the system dynamically assigns roles (e.g., anchor device vs. mobile device) based on capabilities and requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use simpler algorithms when possible while maintaining high adaptability to different device configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal positioning framework where different devices can participate with varying levels of capability. The system supports multiple positioning algorithms (UWB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) and can adapt to devices with different hardware capabilities through a common interface, achieving multi-functionality without requiring each device to implement all algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If role negotiation for positioning is implemented, then adaptability between devices with different capabilities improves, but positioning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice capability adaptabilityVSAvoidpositioning establishment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary role negotiation and capability exchange between devices before actual positioning begins. Devices exchange information about their positioning capabilities and agree on roles in advance, allowing the main positioning operation to proceed more quickly without time-consuming adjustments during the positioning process itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 provides highly accurate and adaptive positioning indoors, enhancing security and interaction efficiency between electronic devices with different capabilities, while reducing power consumption and vulnerability to signal noise.

Implementation Method 1

accurate positioning may be performed indoors by using positioning based on an ultra-wideband signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltra-wideband signal propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3706082B1Electronic device for performing positioning and control method of electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3706082B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3706082B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3706082B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device including a communication circuit and a processor. The processor may be configured to communicate with an external electronic device based on a specified protocol, using the communication circuit, to receive first information at least including type information of the external electronic device based on the specified protocol, using the communication circuit, and to determine a positioning master for measuring a distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device based at least on the first information among the electronic device and the external electronic device. Other various embodiments as understood from the specification are also possible.