UWB Pulse Response Detection for NLOS Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
UWB location systems struggle with inaccurate object location due to non-line-of-sight signal propagation, necessitating a method to differentiate between line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight signal types.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that calculate similarity values between current and reference pulse responses to determine the type of signal propagation, using probability density functions or trajectory analysis to differentiate between line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UWB location system uses pulse response for location determination, then location functionality is achieved, but location accuracy deteriorates under non-line-of-sight propagation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-collects reference pulse responses corresponding to different signal propagation types (line-of-sight, non-line-of-sight) before actual location measurement. These reference responses are stored for subsequent comparison, enabling the system to identify current propagation type by matching against pre-prepared references, thus improving reliability without affecting location functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the pulse response signal into different parameter domains (time domain, frequency domain, energy domain) to extract characteristic parameters. By analyzing parameters such as arrival time, signal energy, and frequency spectrum in different domains, the system can distinguish between line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight propagation types, thereby improving location accuracy under varying propagation conditions
2Device complexity
If UWB location system operates without signal propagation type detection, then system simplicity is maintained, but location accuracy under obstacles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The location base station is designed to perform multiple functions: both traditional location determination and signal propagation type identification. By integrating propagation type detection capabilities into the existing base station, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated devices, thus maintaining relative simplicity while improving location accuracy under obstacles
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces reference pulse responses as an intermediary element to facilitate propagation type identification. These reference responses serve as a bridge between the received pulse response and the propagation type classification, enabling accurate identification without complex direct analysis, thereby balancing system simplicity with improved measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting the type of signal propagation, the method comprising: calculating a plurality of similarity values when a location base station in an ultra-wideband location system currently receives a pulse response from a location tag, wherein each of the similarity values represents the degree of similarity between the currently received pulse response and one of a plurality of reference pulse responses, and the plurality of reference pulse responses are pulse responses from at least one location tag that were previously received by the location base station where the type of signal propagation between the location base station and the at least one location tag is a specific type of signal propagation; and determining, based on the plurality of similarity values, a current type of signal propagation between the location base station and the location tag. The method and apparatus can be used to detect the type of signal propagation between the location base station and the location tag in the UWB location system.