Wi-Fi Out-of-Band Coordination for Low-Power UWB Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved positioning and tracking/ranging protocols in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of location services for wireless devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of ultra wideband (UWB) ranging capabilities is facilitated through Wi-Fi channels, allowing devices to exchange UWB ranging-related parameters and capabilities, and enabling switching between UWB and Wi-Fi ranging based on specified conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UWB ranging is used, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between UWB and Wi-Fi ranging modes based on operational conditions. UWB is activated only when high precision ranging is required, while Wi-Fi is used for routine positioning, thereby optimizing the trade-off between measurement precision and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using Wi-Fi for initial device discovery and capability exchange, then selectively activating UWB only when high-precision ranging is needed. This parameter switching allows the system to achieve UWB-level accuracy when required while maintaining lower power consumption during normal operation
2Measurement precision
If UWB ranging is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Wi-Fi serves as an intermediary layer that handles device discovery, capability exchange, and coordination functions. This mediator approach allows UWB to be used only when needed for high-precision ranging, reducing the overall system complexity by offloading management tasks to the Wi-Fi subsystem
Solution Approach 2:
The ranging system is segmented into two independent subsystems: Wi-Fi for device discovery and capability negotiation, and UWB for high-precision ranging measurements. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate independently with optimized complexity, using UWB only when its precision capabilities are required
3Use of energy by moving object
If Wi-Fi ranging is used, then use of energy is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions from Wi-Fi ranging to UWB ranging when high precision is required. Wi-Fi provides low-power operation for general positioning, while UWB is activated on-demand to achieve superior measurement precision when the application requires it
Solution Approach 2:
Wi-Fi is used in advance to perform device discovery, capability exchange, and preliminary positioning. This preliminary action using lower-power Wi-Fi prepares the system for subsequent UWB ranging only when high precision is needed, optimizing the energy-precision trade-off
4Adaptability or versatility
If UWB and Wi-Fi integration is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functionality by using Wi-Fi for device discovery, capability exchange, and coordination, while UWB provides high-precision ranging. This universal approach allows a single integrated system to handle multiple ranging scenarios and operational requirements, improving adaptability while managing complexity through clear functional separation
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects presented herein may enable wireless devices to use Wi-Fi® as out-of-band (OOB) for ultra wideband (UWB) ranging. In one aspect, a second wireless device transmits a first message via a Wi-Fi channel, where the first message includes a set of UWB ranging capabilities associated with the second wireless device. The second wireless device receives, from a first wireless device based on the first message via the Wi-Fi channel, a second message that includes UWB availability information for the first wireless device and a time window for performing UWB ranging between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. The second wireless device performs, during the time window, the UWB ranging between the first wireless device and the second wireless device.