Wireless Device Orientation Alignment Without Stable Reference Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location of wireless transmitters in wireless networks often require stable reference signals, which can be difficult to maintain, especially in varying environments, and may not accurately account for the orientation and alignment of wireless devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of phase differences between signals exchanged between wireless devices, with multiple receive elements distributed in two or three-dimensional orientations, to determine the location and orientation of wireless transmitters without the need for a stable reference signal, by generating expected phase differences for geographic regions and comparing them to measured phase differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stable reference signals are used for determining transmitter location, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates because stable reference signals are difficult to maintain in varying environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinate system transformation mechanism as an intermediary between the measured phase differences and the final location determination. Instead of directly using unstable reference signals, the system transforms measurements into a coordinate system aligned with the transmitter's orientation, mediating the effect of environmental variations and improving reliability while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by determining transmitter orientation angles (azimuth and elevation) in addition to location coordinates. This parameter transformation allows the system to account for device orientation effects, converting the problem from one requiring stable reference signals to one that can adapt to varying environmental conditions through mathematical transformation.
2Measurement precision
If orientation and alignment of wireless devices are not accounted for, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical alignment mechanisms with mathematical coordinate system transformations. Instead of requiring devices to be physically oriented in specific ways, the system uses computational transformations to account for arbitrary orientations, substituting complex mechanical alignment requirements with software-based coordinate transformations.
3Measurement precision
If phase differences from multiple receive elements are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing task by having each receive element independently measure phase differences, then combining these measurements through coordinate system transformations. This segmentation allows the system to utilize multiple receive elements for improved precision while managing complexity through modular, independent measurement processes that are later integrated mathematically.
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 allows for accurate determination of wireless transmitter locations and orientations, even in dynamic environments, by using phase differences to identify the correct geographic region and align devices, enhancing the precision and reliability of location-based services.
Implementation Method 1
determine a location of a first wireless device based on phase differences of waveforms exchanged between the first wireless device and a second wireless device
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide for guided alignment of the orientation of two wireless devices. A first wireless device is at a known position and a known orientation. A signal from a second wireless device is received via a plurality of receive elements of the first wireless device. The first wireless device measures phase differences of the signal at the plurality of receive elements, and determines locations of each of the second wireless device's transmit elements based on the differences. Based on the transmit element locations, and a known antenna layout of the second wireless device, an orientation of the second wireless device is determined. Based on differences between the determined orientation and the known orientation of the first wireless device, instructions for aligning the devices are generated. Once the devices are aligned, location estimates of a third wireless device are made by both the first wireless device and the second wireless device.