UWB Localization Device With Shielded Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UWB localization devices face challenges in miniaturization while maintaining accurate localization in multiple dimensions due to physical limitations, such as the minimum distance between antennas required for reliable operation, which restricts their size and precision.
Innovation Solution
A UWB localization device is designed with a UWB shield and antenna devices having opposing sensitivity patterns, allowing for reduced installation distance between antennas by causing delays in signal arrival, enabling accurate localization with two antennas instead of three, and incorporating additional antennas and shields for flexibility in orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between antennas is reduced to miniaturize the device, then the device size is reduced, but the localization accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A UWB shield is introduced as an intermediary element between the antennas to manipulate signal propagation. The shield creates artificial time delays in signal arrival at different antennas, enabling the system to maintain localization accuracy with reduced antenna spacing by compensating for the geometric degradation through controlled signal path modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameters of signal reception by using the UWB shield to induce specific time delays. This parameter transformation allows the localization algorithm to work effectively with closely spaced antennas by providing sufficient time difference of arrival (TDoA) information that would otherwise require larger antenna separations.
2Device complexity
If two antennas are used instead of three to reduce device complexity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of multi-dimensional localization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB shield acts as a mediator that compensates for the reduced geometric diversity by introducing controlled signal path differences. This allows two antennas to provide sufficient information for reliable two-dimensional localization by creating artificial baseline extensions through the shield-induced time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively counteracts the potential loss of localization reliability by incorporating the UWB shield that pre-structures the signal arrival patterns. This preliminary action ensures that even with only two antennas, the system maintains sufficient measurement independence and geometric strength for reliable positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna spacing is reduced to increase installation flexibility, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the signal differentiation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB shield serves as a signal path mediator that restores differentiation capability by introducing distinct time delays for signals arriving at different antennas. This allows closely spaced antennas to still provide sufficiently differentiated signal arrival patterns for accurate time difference of arrival measurements.
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
The solution allows for a reduced size UWB localization device capable of reliable two-dimensional localization, increased flexibility in installation orientation, and enhanced security against spoofing attacks, while maintaining high accuracy and convenience in access control systems.
Implementation Method 1
measurement of a transmission time, also referred to as time-of-flight, of radio signals has proven over time to be a highly reliable method of determining the location of a radio transmitter
Implementation Method 2
A UWB shield is arranged between a first antenna device and a second antenna device and is configured such as to cause a delay in a second time of arrival of UWB signals from a UWB transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A UWB localization device comprising a UWB receiver with a first and second antenna device for receiving UWB signals from a UWB transmitter; a UWB shield arranged between the antenna devices; and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine, by processing properties of the UWB signals, a first and a second time of arrival of UWB signals from a UWB transmitter at the first and second antenna devices; and to determine a location of the UWB transmitter based on the first and second time of arrival. The UWB shield is configured to cause a delay in the second time of arrival of UWB signals from the UWB transmitter received at the second antenna device. The first and the second antenna devices are arranged with opposing antenna sensitivity patterns.