UWB Ranging Dead Zone Detection in Smart Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for spatial location and automation in smart environments face challenges in accurately determining device positions and orientations, especially in areas with limited signal strength or occlusions, which affects the reliability of wireless communications and media playback.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of ultra-wideband (UWB) radios and tags for precise location positioning, combined with camera imaging and sensor data, enables accurate mapping and automation control in smart environments, using time-of-flight, angle-of-arrival, and other measurements to enhance wireless and digital experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wireless positioning methods are used, then the system complexity is low, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates in areas with signal occlusion or limited signal strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning technologies (UWB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, inertial sensors, camera imaging) into a unified hybrid positioning system. This merging allows the system to leverage the strengths of each technology while compensating for their individual weaknesses, achieving high positioning accuracy in challenging environments without requiring a single complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional positioning system that can operate using different technologies depending on the environment. The system automatically selects and switches between UWB for high-precision positioning, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi for general location tracking, and inertial sensors for dead reckoning, providing universal positioning capability across diverse scenarios
2Measurement precision
If UWB radios and multiple sensors are integrated for precise positioning, then the positioning accuracy is improved to centimeter level, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning system into distinct functional modules: UWB radio module for time-of-flight measurements, Bluetooth module for proximity detection, inertial sensor module for motion tracking, and camera module for visual positioning. Each module operates independently and contributes specific data to the overall positioning solution, making the complex system manageable and maintainable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central processor or fusion algorithm as an intermediary that receives data from multiple sensors (UWB, Bluetooth, inertial sensors, camera) and integrates them into a unified position estimate. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by coordinating multiple data sources and applying sensor fusion algorithms to produce accurate positioning results
3Reliability
If hybrid positioning with multiple technologies is used, then the reliability in areas with signal occlusion is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic technology selection where the system adjusts which positioning technologies are active based on environmental conditions and current positioning needs. For example, in areas with good signal strength, the system may rely solely on low-power Bluetooth or Wi-Fi positioning. When signal occlusion is detected or high precision is required, the system dynamically activates UWB and other sensors, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of positioning technologies based on conditions. For instance, the system may adjust UWB transmission power, update frequency, or activation threshold based on current signal quality and positioning accuracy requirements. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability while minimizing energy consumption by only using high-power technologies when necessary
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 solution provides centimeter-accurate positioning and orientation detection, improving the reliability of wireless communications and media playback, even in areas with limited signal strength or occlusions, by leveraging UWB ranging data and sensor integration.
Implementation Method 1
provides for highly precise positioning, within 10 cm of ranging accuracy in as little as three degrees of precision through time-of-flight (ToF) and angle-of-arrival (AoA) measurements
Implementation Method 2
through time-of-flight (ToF) and angle-of-arrival (AoA) measurements
Data Source
AI summary
In aspects of environment dead zone determination based on UWB ranging, a system includes ultra-wideband (UWB) radios associated with respective devices in an environment. An automation controller receives UWB ranging data from the UWB radios, and can monitor locations of the respective devices in the environment. The automation controller can detect a loss of coverage by a device connected in the environment, and determine a coverage dead zone within the environment at the location of the loss of coverage by the device based on the UWB ranging data. A computing device can implement the automation controller that receives the UWB ranging data from the UWB radios, and monitors the locations of the respective devices in the environment. The automation controller can detect the loss of coverage by the device, and determine the coverage dead zone within the environment at the location of the loss of coverage by the device.