UWB Tag Environment Mapping via Time-of-Flight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing environment mapping techniques, such as Wi-Fi fingerprinting, face limitations in accuracy and reliability due to changing RF signatures over time, and lack the precision required for advanced spatial awareness in smart home and building environments.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of ultra-wideband (UWB) tags that utilize time-of-flight, angle-of-arrival, and time-difference-of-arrival measurements, combined with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi RSSI data, to accurately determine the location and relative positions of objects and smart devices, generating a precise three-dimensional location association map for enhanced spatial awareness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Wi-Fi fingerprinting is used for environment mapping, then device identification can be achieved, but location accuracy deteriorates over time due to changing RF signatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice identification reliabilityVSAvoidlocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from using Wi-Fi RF signature fingerprinting to UWB-based time-of-flight measurements. This parameter change fundamentally alters the measurement approach from indirect signal strength analysis to direct distance measurement, thereby resolving the accuracy degradation issue while maintaining device identification capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic signal-based Wi-Fi fingerprinting system with a UWB time-of-flight measurement system. This substitution provides more stable and accurate location data by using active radar-like pulses rather than passive signal strength measurements, eliminating the RF signature drift problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If existing environment mapping techniques are used, then basic location tracking is possible, but spatial awareness precision is insufficient for advanced smart home applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebasic location trackingVSAvoidspatial awareness precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances the basic two-dimensional Wi-Fi fingerprinting approach by adding a third dimension through UWB time-of-flight measurements. This dimensional upgrade enables precise three-dimensional spatial awareness, allowing accurate determination of device locations in 3D space rather than just on a two-dimensional plane

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary UWB ranging measurements to establish accurate initial location data before any spatial awareness application needs to run. This preliminary action creates a precise foundational map that subsequent applications can rely on without requiring continuous recalibration, thereby achieving high precision spatial awareness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach provides highly accurate and secure spatial awareness, enabling precise location detection and automation of device identification, improving the digital and wireless experience in smart environments by minimizing user interaction and maintaining accuracy over time.

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 implementation of ultra-wideband (UWB) tags that utilize time-of-flight, angle-of-arrival, and time-difference-of-arrival measurements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime difference of arrival:

Implementation Method 4

combined with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi RSSI data, to accurately determine the location and relative positions of objects and smart devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReceived signal strength indication:

Data Source

PatentUS12152902B2Environment mapping based on UWB tags

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

In aspects of environment mapping 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 mapping module is implemented to determine a location of each of the UWB tags in the environment, and determine relative positions of each of the UWB tags with respect to each other. The mapping module can generate a location association map of the objects in the environment based on the location and the relative position of each of the UWB tags associated with the respective objects. In an environment within a building, the mapping module can generate the location association map as a floor plan of the building, including the objects location in the building.