UWB Radar Beam Alignment via Localization Data

Solution Overview

Problem

Current UWB radar systems require extensive scanning and multiple scans to align and detect targets, leading to increased time and power consumption due to their narrow beam width, which impacts user experience and overall efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining localization information of UWB target devices using an antenna array and switching to a radar mode for beam alignment, allowing for precise beam axis alignment without scanning the search area by using ranging mode data to initialize beam angles, enabling efficient tracking and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If UWB radar systems perform extensive scanning to align and detect targets, then detection coverage is improved, but detection time and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary localization in ranging mode to obtain target position information before switching to radar mode for tracking. This preliminary action of acquiring localization data enables the radar beam to be pre-aligned to the correct direction, eliminating the need for extensive scanning when detection begins, thus reducing detection time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses localization information as an intermediary between the ranging mode and radar mode. The localization data obtained from ranging acts as a mediator that provides initial target position estimates, allowing the radar system to jump directly to the relevant angular sector rather than scanning the entire area, thereby reducing detection time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If UWB radar systems perform extensive scanning to align and detect targets, then detection coverage is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary localization in ranging mode to obtain target position information before switching to radar mode for tracking. This preliminary action of acquiring localization data enables the radar beam to be pre-aligned to the correct direction, eliminating the need for extensive scanning when detection begins, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between ranging mode and radar mode based on operational requirements. By using ranging mode for initial localization and then switching to radar mode for continuous tracking, the system optimizes power consumption by using the most energy-efficient mode for each specific task rather than continuously operating in high-power radar scanning mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If narrow beam width is used in radar mode, then tracking precision is improved, but scanning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking precisionVSAvoidscanning speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary localization in ranging mode to obtain target position information before switching to radar mode for tracking. This preliminary action of acquiring localization data enables the radar beam to be pre-aligned to the correct direction, eliminating the need for extensive scanning when detection begins, thus reducing detection time while maintaining accuracy

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 significantly reduces detection time and power consumption by aligning the radar beam directly with the target using determined localization information, improving user experience and tracking precision in applications like VR gaming and smart car access.

Implementation Method 1

the localization information is determined by measuring angle-of-arrivals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngle of Arrival (AoA):

Implementation Method 2

an alignment of a beam of the UWB radar device in the radar mode to the at least one UWB target device is done by using the localization information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Implementation Method 3

an angle and a distance between the UWB radar device and the at least one UWB target device is obtained in a ranging mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight (ToF): Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP4386446A1Method of operating a UWB radar device

Publication Date: 2024.06.19 NXP BV

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AI summary

Method of operating a UWB radar device (100a... 100n), comprising the steps: - determining localization information of at least one UWB target device (200a...200n) relative to the UWB radar device (100a... 100n) and, based on the determined localization information; - switching the UWB radar device (100a... 100n) into a radar mode, wherein an alignment of a beam of the UWB radar device (100a... 100n) in the radar mode to the at least one UWB target device (200a...200n) is done by using the localization information.