Wireless Localization Device With Multiple Receive Chains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication devices with localization capabilities using a single anchor suffer from limited accuracy in localization determination, particularly in applications like indoor navigation and asset tracking.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device with multiple receive chains configured to simultaneously receive signals from multiple static communication nodes, allowing for accurate distance determination and location calculation without the need for synchronization between nodes, using phase-locked loops and separate or shared antennas for efficient angle-of-arrival measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single anchor is used for localization, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of receive chainsVSAvoidlocalization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication device is divided into multiple independent receive chains (first receive chain, second receive chain, etc.), each capable of independently receiving signals from different static communication nodes. This segmentation allows simultaneous multi-anchor reception without increasing overall system complexity, as each chain operates autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each receive chain is designed with universal functionality to handle signal reception, processing, and distance calculation independently. The chains can process signals from any static communication node, making the system flexible and scalable without requiring specialized hardware for each anchor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple static communication nodes are used for localization, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to sequential processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidlocalization determination time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple receive chains operate simultaneously and continuously to receive signals from multiple static communication nodes. This parallel operation eliminates the need for sequential processing, maintaining continuous localization updates without time loss, as all chains work concurrently rather than taking turns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple receive chains in advance, each ready to receive signals from specific frequency ranges. This preliminary preparation allows immediate simultaneous reception of multiple signals without setup delays, enabling fast localization determination when multiple anchors are available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If multiple receive chains operate at the same frequency, then device complexity is reduced, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to signal collisions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency managementVSAvoidsignal collision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each receive chain is assigned a specific frequency or frequency range, creating local quality differentiation. The first receive chain operates at a first frequency while the second receive chain operates at a second frequency, preventing signal collisions by giving each chain its own frequency domain, similar to dedicated lanes in traffic management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from time-domain sequential processing to frequency-domain parallel processing. By utilizing the frequency dimension as an additional resource, multiple receive chains can operate simultaneously without interference, effectively adding a new dimension to signal separation and avoiding collisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20230199698A1Wireless Communication Device, System and Method with Localization Capabilities

Publication Date: 2023.06.22 STICHTING IMEC NEDERLAND

AI summary

A wireless communication device with localization capabilities comprises a first receive chain for receiving a first signal from a first static communication node, and at least a second receive chain for receiving at least a second signal from at least a second static communication node. The first and at least one second receive chains are configured to simultaneously receive the first and at least one second signals. The wireless communication device is configured to determine a first distance between the wireless communication device and the first static communication node on the basis of the first signal, determine at least a second distance between the wireless communication device and the at least one second static communication node on the basis of the at least one second signal, and determine a location of the wireless communication device on the basis of the first and least one second distances.