Wireless Distance Measurement Using Beamforming Antennas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for measuring distance and orientation between objects, such as in virtual reality and Body Sensor Network applications, face challenges with accuracy, latency, and scalability due to the need for external infrastructure and bulky equipment, particularly at smaller form factors.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using high-bandwidth, high-frequency wireless technology with beamforming antenna arrays to measure signal Time-of-Flight, allowing for accurate distance and orientation measurements between objects without line-of-sight, with a resolution of centimeters or less and high-frequency updates, implemented in wearable devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional distance and orientation measurement schemes are used, then measurement capability is provided, but the equipment becomes heavy and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance and orientation measurement accuracyVSAvoidequipment weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement infrastructure (external cameras, motion capture systems, bulky sensors) with wireless electromagnetic field-based measurement. The system uses wireless signals transmitted between devices to calculate distance and orientation through signal processing algorithms, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical measurement equipment and external infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the measurement capability from external infrastructure and embeds it directly into the devices themselves. Each device contains transceivers and processors that enable self-contained distance and orientation measurement, removing the need for separate external measurement systems and reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If traditional measurement equipment is used, then measurement is possible, but the device size must be large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracy within few centimetersVSAvoiddevice form factor

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses high-bandwidth wireless signals with carefully controlled transmission parameters (frequency, bandwidth, modulation) to achieve centimeter-level distance resolution. By optimizing signal parameters and using appropriate bandwidths, the system achieves high measurement precision while maintaining small device form factors suitable for wearable applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If traditional measurement schemes are used, then distance and orientation can be measured, but latency is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance and orientation accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic transmission of measurement signals between devices, with devices alternating between transmitting and receiving phases. This structured periodic communication enables continuous real-time measurement updates while maintaining low latency through efficient time-division multiplexing and synchronized operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Measurement precision

If traditional measurement infrastructure is used, then measurement capability is provided, but the system is not scalable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidscalability to smaller form factors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal measurement system where any device equipped with the wireless transceiver and processing capability can perform distance and orientation measurements with other such devices. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware platform to serve both primary functions and measurement functions, enabling scalability across different device types and form factors without requiring specialized measurement equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables high-accuracy, low-latency distance and orientation measurements between objects, suitable for real-time applications like sports training and virtual reality, without the need for external equipment, providing cost-effective and scalable solutions.

Implementation Method 1

measure signal Time-of-Flight, allowing for accurate distance and orientation measurements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime-of-Flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

high-bandwidth, high-frequency wireless technology with beamforming antenna arrays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Data Source

PatentUS11719798B2Apparatus and method for high accuracy distance and orientation measurement

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Described is an machine-readable storage media having instruction stored thereon, that when executed, cause one or more processors to perform an operation comprising: sequentially transmit, in a first mode, at least two first probe request messages in at least two beam steering directions, respectively, towards a device; and receive, from the device, at least two first probe response messages in response to transmitting the at least two first probe request messages.