Wireless Device Localization Using Distance And Signal Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location of devices in wireless networks using distance measurements alone often result in ambiguous results due to equidistant positions and environmental interference, leading to incorrect placement on site maps.
Innovation Solution
Integrate directional information of signals, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals, with distance measurements to resolve ambiguities and improve location accuracy by determining a candidate position based on signal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If distance measurements alone are used to determine device location, then the location determination process is simple, but ambiguous results occur due to equidistant positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional distance-based localization to three-dimensional localization by incorporating azimuth information. This additional angular dimension resolves the ambiguity of equidistant positions by providing directional context, allowing the system to distinguish between multiple possible locations that lie on the same distance circle from reference devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from solely distance measurements to a combination of distance measurements and azimuth (directional) information. This parameter expansion transforms the localization problem from solving distance equations to solving both distance and angle equations, thereby eliminating the flip ambiguity inherent in distance-only methods.
2Device complexity
If distance measurements are used without directional information, then fewer measurement types are required, but environmental interference causes inaccurate distance measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses azimuth information as a feedback mechanism to validate and correct distance measurements. By comparing the measured azimuth with the expected azimuth based on known device orientations and positions, the system can identify and compensate for errors caused by environmental interference, multipath effects, or signal reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two different types of measurements (distance and azimuth) into a composite localization approach. This composite method leverages the strengths of both measurement types while compensating for their individual weaknesses, creating a more robust and reliable localization system that is less susceptible to environmental interference.
3Ease of operation
If only distance measurements are obtained, then the data collection process is straightforward, but ambiguous positions cannot be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by obtaining device orientation information and reference device positions before conducting localization. This preparatory step allows the system to calculate expected azimuth values and compare them with measured azimuths, enabling the resolution of position ambiguities before final location determination is made.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding azimuth information to the distance measurements, the patent transforms the localization data from one-dimensional (distance only) to two-dimensional (distance and angle), thereby capturing complete positional information and eliminating the loss of information that leads to ambiguous positions.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques describe a network management system comprising a memory and processing circuitry configured to obtain distance measurements between at least two devices at a site, wherein the at least two devices comprise at least one reference device positioned at a known location and a target device relative to the at least one reference device positioned at an unknown location. The processing circuitry may further be configured to obtain directional information specifying a direction of one or more signals communicated between the at least one reference device and the target device. The processing circuitry may further be configured to determine, based on the distance measurements and the directional information, a plurality of possible positions of the target device relative to the at least one reference device. The processing circuitry may further be configured to determine, based on the directional information, a candidate position from the plurality of possible positions.