Wireless Distance Measurement Using Phase and Time-of-Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless devices, particularly battery-powered devices like keyfobs, face challenges in accurately measuring distance with minimal power consumption due to the need for multiple measurements across various frequencies, which can be time and energy intensive.
Innovation Solution
The method combines time-of-flight and phase shift measurements to determine distance between wireless devices, reducing power requirements by minimizing the number of receiver/transmitter switches and averaging multiple measurements for increased accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurements on multiple frequencies are performed to maximize accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines time-of-flight measurements and phase shift measurements into a single integrated distance measurement system. The time-of-flight protocol provides coarse distance estimation while the phase shift protocol provides fine distance estimation, allowing the system to achieve high accuracy without performing multiple separate measurements on multiple frequencies, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurements on multiple frequencies are performed to maximize accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges time-of-flight and phase shift measurement protocols into a single integrated system that performs both measurement types simultaneously or in rapid succession. This combined approach achieves high measurement accuracy without requiring multiple separate measurement sequences on multiple frequencies, significantly reducing the total time required for distance measurement while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If receiver/transmitter switches are performed frequently to enable multiple measurements, then measurement flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal distance measurement system that can perform both time-of-flight and phase shift measurements using the same hardware infrastructure. The system adapts its measurement protocol based on the required accuracy level and environmental conditions, providing measurement flexibility without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each measurement type, thereby reducing power consumption associated with frequent receiver/transmitter switching.
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 enhances the accuracy and energy efficiency of distance measurements, making it suitable for battery-powered devices by combining phase and time-of-flight protocols to compensate for each other's limitations, thereby reducing the overall power burden.
Implementation Method 1
calculating a first measurement of the distance based on a time between the first wireless device sending the first packet and receiving the second packet
Implementation Method 2
calculating a second measurement of the distance based on a phase shift of the first continuous wave signal and the second continuous wave signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of measuring distance between two wireless devices by combining phase shift and time-of-flight measurements. A first wireless devices sends a first packet to the second wireless device. After receiving the first packet, the second wireless device sending to the first wireless device a second packet. After sending the second packet, the second wireless device sends a first continuous wave signal to the first wireless device. After receiving the first continuous wave signal, the first wireless device sends to the second wireless device a second continuous wave signal. The first wireless device then calculates a time-of-flight measurement based on a time between the first wireless device sending the first packet and receiving the second packet, and calculates a second measurement based on a phase shift of the first continuous wave signal and the second continuous wave signal, and combines the two measurements.