Variable Rate UWB RF Tags for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultra-wideband (UWB) communications are limited by channel capacity, which restricts the number of devices that can concurrently communicate in a given area, leading to issues with signal interference, collisions, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
RF tags equipped with motion sensors and processing circuitry that adjust transmission blink rates based on motion data, allowing for variable rate UWB communications to optimize channel usage and reduce interference and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UWB devices transmit at high blink rates to improve location tracking accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but channel capacity is exceeded and signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic blink rate adjustment where each RF tag automatically varies its transmission rate based on its motion state. Motion sensors detect movement and the processing circuitry adjusts the blink rate accordingly - higher rates during motion for accurate tracking, lower rates during stationary periods to reduce channel interference. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making transmission intensity proportional to actual tracking needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission parameter (blink rate) based on motion detection. When motion is detected, the blink rate increases to maintain tracking precision; when no motion is detected, the blink rate decreases to reduce channel capacity consumption and interference. This parameter adjustment strategy allows the system to optimize between measurement precision and harmful interference.
2Measurement precision
If multiple RF tags transmit concurrently at high blink rates, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each RF tag dynamically adjusts its blink rate based on real-time motion detection. During periods of no motion or low motion, tags reduce their transmission rate significantly, conserving battery power. When motion is detected, tags increase transmission rate to maintain tracking accuracy. This dynamic behavior ensures that power is consumed only when necessary for accurate location tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF tags autonomously monitor their own motion state through onboard motion sensors and self-adjust their transmission parameters without external control. This self-service mechanism allows each tag to optimize its own power consumption based on its operational needs, extending battery life while maintaining tracking accuracy when required.
3Measurement precision
If RF tags increase blink rates to maintain tracking during motion, then measurement precision is maintained, but channel capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transmission qualities (blink rates) to different operational contexts. During motion, tags use higher blink rates locally to maintain tracking precision. During stationary periods, tags use lower blink rates to conserve channel capacity. This local adaptation of transmission quality allows the system to maintain precision where needed while preserving overall channel capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of all tags transmitting at maximum rate continuously, the system applies partial action by activating high-rate transmission only when and where motion is detected. This selective approach ensures sufficient tracking precision during motion events while avoiding excessive channel capacity consumption during stationary periods when high-rate transmission would be unnecessary.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for providing variable blink rate ultra-wideband (UWB) communications. Some embodiments may provide for a radio frequency (RF) tag including a motion sensor, processing circuitry, and a UWB transmitter. The motion sensor may be configured to generate one or more motion data values indicating motion of the RF tag. The UWB transmitter may be configured to transmit blink data at variable blink rates. The processing circuitry may be configured to receive the one or more motion data values from the motion sensor, determine a blink rate for the UWB transmitter based on the one or more motion data values, and control the UWB transmitter to wirelessly transmit the blink data at the blink rate. In some embodiments, the RF tag may include a UWB receiver and the blink rate may be controlled remotely by a system.