UWB Transceiver Gesture Detection for Line-of-Sight-Free Device Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication methods between computing devices, such as mobile phones and other devices, are often slow, cumbersome, and prone to errors, particularly when using techniques like IEEE 802.11 standards (WIFI), telecommunications channels, or BLUETOOTH®, especially for controlling other devices with precise commands based on gestures.

Innovation Solution

The integration of ultra-wideband (UWB) transceivers in computing devices allows for accurate determination of orientation and position relative to controlled devices, enabling gesture recognition through UWB signals to transmit commands efficiently and accurately, even through obstructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If traditional communication methods (WIFI, BLUETOOTH) are used for device control, then device compatibility is maintained, but communication speed and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidcommunication accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the communication parameter from traditional narrowband WIFI/BLUETOOTH to ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency spectrum. This parameter change enables both higher communication speed and improved accuracy through precise time-of-flight measurements and orientation detection capabilities inherent to UWB technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If gesture recognition is implemented using traditional sensors, then basic motion detection is achieved, but gesture identification accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture identification accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems (multiple accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras) with an electromagnetic field-based UWB transceiver system. The UWB signals provide precise spatial and temporal information for gesture recognition without requiring complex mechanical sensing hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If line-of-sight requirement is imposed for gesture control, then signal interference is reduced, but operational flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reliabilityVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the temporal dimension through precise time-of-flight measurements and signal processing in the time domain. This allows the system to distinguish direct signals from reflected signals, enabling operation without strict line-of-sight requirements while maintaining signal reliability through multi-dimensional signal analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4309022B1Devices for gesture detection that incorporate ultra-wideband (UWB) transceivers
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP4309022B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4309022B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4309022B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Example embodiments relate to devices for gesture detection that incorporate ultra- wideband (UWB) transceivers. An example device includes a first UWB transceiver configured to transmit and receive UWB signals to communicate with a second UWB transceiver. The UWB signals are indicative of an orientation and a position of the first UWB transceiver relative to the second UWB transceiver. The second UWB transceiver corresponds to a first controlled device. The device also includes a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to identify one or more gestures traced out by the device based on the UWB signals. The processor is also configured to cause the first UWB transceiver to transmit a command UWB signal to the second UWB transceiver based on the one or more identified gestures. The command UWB signal provides an instruction to the first controlled device.