UWB Distance Ranging With Periodic Anchor Wake-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining distance between battery-powered devices, such as smartphones using satellite, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, suffer from inaccuracies and limited scalability, while indoor UWB techniques face limited operating time due to high power requirements and battery capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method, system, and computer program product utilizing UWB tags and anchors powered by batteries, employing a typical and atypical operating pattern to minimize energy consumption by enabling the anchor only when necessary, and using time-based positioning protocols like TWR to determine distance with minimal energy expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indoor UWB techniques are used for distance determination, then measurement precision is improved (margins of error of a few centimeters), but use of energy worsens (very limited operating time due to high power requirement of the anchor)
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB anchor operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active measurement mode and low-power sleep mode. During each cycle, the anchor is activated only when needed for distance measurement, then returns to sleep mode to conserve energy. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain measurement precision when required while dramatically reducing average power consumption to extend operating time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the UWB anchor based on real-time conditions. The anchor transitions between active and sleep states depending on whether distance measurement is currently needed, allowing optimal balance between measurement precision and energy consumption. This dynamic state management enables the anchor to provide accurate measurements on-demand while minimizing energy use during idle periods.
2Measurement precision
If the UWB anchor is continuously enabled for accurate distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but duration of action worsens (limited battery capacity results in very limited operating time)
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB anchor operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active measurement mode and low-power sleep mode. During each cycle, the anchor is activated only when needed for distance measurement, then returns to sleep mode to conserve energy. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain measurement precision when required while dramatically reducing average power consumption to extend operating time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously operating the UWB anchor, the system applies partial action by activating it only for the specific duration needed to perform distance measurements. The anchor remains in sleep mode for the remainder of the time, providing just enough operational capacity to maintain measurement accuracy while extending overall operating time through reduced energy consumption during idle periods.
3Ease of operation
If satellite, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi data are used for distance determination, then ease of operation is improved (no reference anchors required, good scalability), but measurement precision worsens (error margins exceeding ten meters for satellite, more than three meters for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces UWB technology as an intermediary between the low-precision but scalable solutions (satellite, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) and the high-precision but power-intensive continuous UWB operation. By using UWB in periodic measurement cycles rather than continuous operation, the system achieves centimeter-level accuracy comparable to traditional UWB while dramatically reducing power consumption, thereby enabling scalable deployment without reference anchors while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 extends the operating time of battery-powered devices by minimizing energy use, achieving accurate distance measurements with minimal energy consumption and scalability, suitable for environments like yards and construction sites with large groups of people.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting an announcing signal of the UWB tag comprising an indication of a transmission time
Implementation Method 2
when an announcing signal from a first device is received on the second device during an announcing period of this second device
Implementation Method 3
determining a distance between the first device and the second device based on the ranging signal from the first device, which is received on the second device
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and computer program product for determining a distance between persons by means of a plurality of battery powered devices each include using ultra-wideband (UWB) tags and UWB anchors, wherein battery powered devices are configured to periodically or quasiperiodically repeat a typical operating pattern, and upon receipt of an announcing signal from a first device by a second device, initiate an atypical operating pattern to determine the distance.