Wireless Localization Using Superimposed Narrowband Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless localization systems require antenna arrays, which are expensive and large, limiting their adoption in commodity devices and reducing their utility for sub-meter localization accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for wireless localization using a plurality of concurrently transmitting transmitters, where each transmitter sends a narrowband signal at a different frequency, allowing a single antenna receiver to determine its location based on the superimposed signal received.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If antenna arrays are used for direction-finding techniques (AoA/AoD), then sub-metre localization accuracy is achieved, but device cost and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using physical antenna arrays to capture directional information, the patent creates virtual antenna arrays through signal processing. Multiple transmitters transmit signals that are received and processed by a single antenna, with the system mathematically reconstructing the directional information that would otherwise require multiple physical antennas. This copies the functional capability of antenna arrays without the physical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical antenna array system with an electronic signal processing system. Rather than using multiple physical antennas to measure phase differences directly, the system uses a single antenna to receive signals from multiple transmitters and then performs computational analysis to determine location and direction, substituting physical measurement with electronic processing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transmitters transmit concurrently to improve localization resolution, then tracking accuracy improves, but wireless channel occupancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having transmitters broadcast their location information and signal characteristics in advance. The receiver collects this information during normal operation and processes it to determine its own location without requiring dedicated localization transmission time, thereby reducing channel occupancy while maintaining high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the wireless channel serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same channel used for general data communication is also used for localization, with multiple transmitters conveying both their data and localization signals concurrently. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate localization transmission time, reducing channel occupancy while maintaining localization resolution.
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 enables high-resolution tracking with minimal wireless channel occupancy, achieving sub-meter localization accuracy without the need for antenna arrays, making it suitable for a wide range of devices and applications.
Implementation Method 1
concurrently transmitting, by a plurality of transmitters, a plurality of narrowband signals, wherein frequencies of respective narrowband signals are different from each other; receiving, by a receiver, a superimposed signal of the plurality of narrowband signals
Data Source
AI summary
A narrowband localization method including: concurrently transmitting, by a plurality of transmitters, a plurality of narrowband signals, wherein frequencies of respective narrowband signals are different from each other; receiving, by a receiver, a superimposed signal of the plurality of narrowband signals; and determining, by the receiver, a location of the receiver relative to the plurality of transmitters based on the superimposed signal received by the receiver.