Wireless Mesh Ranging Using Three-Packet Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless ranging techniques are inadequate for determining ranges among multiple wireless devices due to collisions, resource consumption, and reliance on central coordination, especially in scenarios with poor satellite connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A full mesh technique where each device broadcasts and receives ranging packets to calculate ranges with other devices using a three-packet exchange, accounting for clock offsets and storing packet exchange information to facilitate accurate range calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing one-to-one ranging techniques are used, then ranging between two devices can be achieved, but collisions occur when more than two devices are involved causing the techniques to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ranging process into multiple sequential phases (Announcement Phase, Ranging Phase, Completion Phase) where devices take turns exchanging packets in a structured manner. This segmentation prevents collisions by ensuring that at any given time, packet exchanges are coordinated and non-conflicting, enabling reliable ranging among multiple devices simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic device roles that change over time during the ranging process. Devices transition between being initiators and responders, and between active participation and listening states. This dynamic role assignment allows the system to adapt to the number of devices present and coordinate packet exchanges to avoid collisions while supporting scalable multi-device ranging.
2Reliability
If existing ranging techniques are used, then ranging can be performed, but significant resources (battery power, computing power, and time) are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by having devices enter low-power listening states between ranging phases and only activate during scheduled packet exchanges. The structured phased approach allows devices to remain dormant during phases they are not actively involved in, significantly reducing battery power consumption while maintaining ranging accuracy through periodic measurement opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing device roles, scheduling packet exchanges, and synchronizing clocks before actual ranging measurements begin. The Announcement Phase prepares the network topology and device responsibilities in advance, allowing the Ranging Phase to proceed efficiently with minimal resource consumption during the critical measurement period.
3Reliability
If existing ranging techniques are used, then ranging between devices can be achieved, but central coordination is required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling each device to autonomously determine its own role (initiator or responder), select appropriate packet exchange sequences, and coordinate with other devices without central control. Devices independently manage their transmission and reception schedules based on locally stored ranging data and peer information, eliminating the need for complex central coordination while maintaining ranging consistency through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized packet exchange protocol that all devices in the network can use regardless of their specific role or number. The same fundamental packet types and exchange mechanisms work for both one-to-one and many-to-many ranging scenarios, simplifying the system architecture while ensuring ranging consistency across diverse device configurations.
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 ranging between multiple devices with improved accuracy, resilience, reduced power consumption, and reliability, avoiding single points of failure and hidden node issues.
Implementation Method 1
One way for wireless devices to determine the range to one another is to exchange packets and determine the range based on the time-of-flight (ToF) of the exchanged packets
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable medium to perform operations comprising periodically broadcasting, by a first wireless device, outgoing ranging packets on a measurement channel of a wireless network; receiving, by the first wireless device on the measurement channel and from a second wireless device, a plurality of incoming ranging data packets; and calculating, by the first wireless device and using a three ranging packet exchange with the second wireless device, a range to the second wireless device.