UWB Tag TDMA Synchronization for Low Power Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current indoor positioning systems, such as those using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ultrasound, face challenges in achieving high accuracy and high-speed tracking while being prone to interference from metallic environments and signal jammers, especially in real-time use cases.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) technology with a network of base stations and tags, employing Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) slots for clock synchronization and ranging requests, allowing for deep sleep modes in tags to conserve power and reduce interference, enabling high-speed, centimeter-accurate location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth or Wi-Fi based real-time locating systems are used, then availability and non-licensed band operation are improved, but positioning accuracy and resistance to interference deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from non-licensed bands (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) to licensed 5G NR bands, leveraging the regulatory protection and signal stability of licensed spectrum to achieve both high availability and high positioning accuracy simultaneously
2Speed
If continuous operation mode is used for high-speed tracking, then tracking speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles where the tag alternates between active measurement periods and sleep periods. During DRX active times, the tag performs positioning measurements; during DRX sleep times, the tag conserves power. This periodic operation enables the system to maintain high-speed tracking capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation
3Quantity of substance
If multiple tags operate simultaneously without TDMA, then system capacity is improved, but signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the available time resources into distinct Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) slots, with each tag assigned to specific time slots for transmission and reception. This temporal segmentation allows multiple tags to operate simultaneously in the same frequency band without interfering with each other, as each tag is active only during its designated time window
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where TDMA slot assignments can be adjusted based on system conditions, tag priorities, and traffic patterns. The network can dynamically reconfigure which tags use which time slots, allowing flexible adaptation to changing system requirements while maintaining interference-free operation
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 system achieves high-speed, centimeter-accurate location tracking in real-time with reduced power consumption and minimized interference, providing precise 3D positioning and extended battery life for tags.
Implementation Method 1
in response to receiving a corresponding ranging request from a corresponding tag of the tags, sending a corresponding ranging response to the corresponding tag with a corresponding timestamp indicating the time of a TDMA tag slot corresponding to the corresponding tag
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of performing location tracking with ultra wideband (UWB) are provided. The system includes a network formed by base stations and tags. In operation, the system configures multiple Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) slots within a predetermined time frame. The TDMA slots include a clock calibration packet (CCP) slot, personal area network (PAN) identifier request and response slots, and TDMA tag slots. In the CCP slot, clock synchronization is performed among the base stations and the tags. In the PAN identifier request and response slots, the base stations receive reservation requests from the tags, and send correspond reservation responses. In each TDMA tag slot, the base stations listen to ranging requests from each tag, and send corresponding ranging responses with corresponding timestamps indicating the corresponding TDMA tag slot for each tag. Each tag only wakes up during the corresponding TDMA tag slot, thus achieving low power consumption.