UWB Transmitter Location Using Reflected Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating an active identification transmitter, such as a smartphone, in a motor vehicle using UWB technology are hindered by the limited number of UWB receiving units, leading to ambiguous location determination, especially when the transmitter is in the rear or front boot.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves the identification transmitter transmitting both an original UWB location signal and at least one reflected UWB location signal, which are received by a functional device. The device determines distances from these signals and checks if the reflected signal corresponds to a short-range or long-range reflection, allowing it to unambiguously locate the transmitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a limited number of UWB receiving units are used in the motor vehicle, then the system complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to unambiguously locate the identification transmitter deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reflected location signals as an intermediary to resolve the location ambiguity. Instead of relying solely on direct signals from limited receiving units, the system introduces reflected signals from environmental objects as additional information sources. This intermediary approach enables the functional device to distinguish between different transmitter positions (e.g., front boot vs. rear boot) even with fewer receiving units, thus maintaining location precision while reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional location problem (using only direct signals in a limited receiving unit arrangement) to a three-dimensional solution space by incorporating reflected signals that provide additional spatial information. The reflection paths add a new dimension of information about the transmitter's position relative to environmental objects, enabling unambiguous location determination with fewer receiving units
2Measurement precision
If reflected location signals are used for location determination, then the ability to unambiguously locate the transmitter is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the functional device receives reflected location signals, determines distances based on these signals, and uses this information to resolve location ambiguities. The system continuously monitors both direct and reflected signals, comparing distance measurements to determine whether the transmitter is in the front or rear boot. This feedback loop enables accurate location determination while managing the complexity of signal detection through systematic processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by focusing on detecting specific reflected signals that provide discriminative information for location determination. Rather than attempting to detect and process all possible reflected signals (which would be excessively complex), the system identifies and processes only those reflected signals that are sufficient to resolve the location ambiguity, thereby improving measurement precision while controlling detection difficulty
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 method enables unambiguous location determination of the identification transmitter using a single UWB receiving unit, reducing the need for additional units, lowering costs, and simplifying the system while maintaining quick reaction times.
Implementation Method 1
The identification transmitter transmits a location signal and the functional device receives an original location signal of the identification transmitter and at least one reflected location signal
Implementation Method 2
The reflected location signal is a location signal of the identification transmitter, which is reflected on an object at least once on its way from the identification transmitter to the functional device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for locating an identification transmitter of a motor vehicle using a functional device of the motor vehicle involves the identification transmitter transmitting a location signal and the functional device receiving the original location signal and a reflected location signal. The functional device respectively determines a distance to the identification transmitter from the location signals. The functional device checks whether the reflected location signal corresponds to a short-range reflection of the original location signal. Depending on the latter, the functional device locates the identification transmitter.