UWB Tag Object Tracking for Unauthorized Movement Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current object tracking systems lack precise and secure location positioning for smart devices and objects in environments, especially in scenarios requiring high accuracy and security, such as unauthorized relocation detection and abnormal proximity monitoring.

Innovation Solution

Implementing ultra-wideband (UWB) tags with precise location positioning capabilities, using time-of-flight, angle-of-arrival, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth RSSI measurements, along with cloud-based network systems for tracking and mapping, to create a secure and accurate object tracking system that monitors movements and generates location association maps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional tracking systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates (lack of centimeter-level accuracy)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation positioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

UWB tags serve as intermediary devices that enable precise location tracking without requiring complex modifications to the tracked objects themselves. The tags act as mediators between the tracking service and the objects, providing accurate positioning data through time-of-flight measurements while keeping the overall system architecture manageable and modular.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or GPS-based tracking systems with UWB radio frequency-based positioning. This substitution enables centimeter-level accuracy indoors and outdoors without requiring mechanical components or satellite visibility, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity by using electromagnetic field measurements instead of mechanical or satellite-dependent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If UWB tags with precise positioning are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation positioning accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption of UWB tags

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking service monitors object locations at periodic intervals rather than continuously, allowing UWB tags to enter low-power states between measurements. This periodic monitoring approach maintains centimeter-level positioning accuracy when needed while significantly reducing the average energy consumption of the UWB tags compared to continuous tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If multiple UWB tags and tracking services are deployed, then reliability improves for security monitoring, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidtracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking service is designed as a universal platform that can monitor multiple objects simultaneously using standardized UWB tag protocols. This multi-functional approach allows a single tracking service instance to manage numerous tags and objects, improving security monitoring reliability across the entire environment while avoiding the complexity of implementing separate tracking systems for each object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables accurate and secure tracking of objects and devices with centimeter-level precision, enhancing security by detecting unauthorized movements and abnormal proximities, and providing a robust wireless and digital experience in smart environments.

Implementation Method 1

UWB utilizes double-sided, two-way ranging between devices and 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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngle of arrival:

Implementation Method 3

The mapping module determines the UWB tag location and the relative position of each of the UWB tags based on UWB ranging data, Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth received signal strength indication (RSSI) measurements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReceived signal strength indication:

Data Source

PatentUS12004046B2Object tracking based on UWB tags

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

In aspects of object tracking based on UWB tags, a system includes ultra-wideband (UWB) tags located for association with respective objects in an environment, where each UWB tag is identified with a digital label indicative of the association with one or more of the objects. A tracking service is implemented to receive initial location data for the objects from each of the UWB tags that are associated with the objects, and generate an object identity database in which each of the objects are identified by their respective initial location data. The tracking service can monitor for movement of an object that is identified by the initial location data based on subsequent positioning data associated with the object. The movement of an object is monitored for an unauthorized relocation of the object, for a cluster of multiple objects moving together, and/or for an abnormal proximity of multiple objects in the environment.