Wireless Node Positioning via Parallel Broadcast Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the relative positions of multiple nodes in a wireless network are time-consuming, especially when the network has a large number of nodes, as they require sequential round-trip time estimation between pairs of nodes, limiting efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where nodes broadcast packets according to a schedule, allowing all nodes to receive simultaneously, enabling parallel timing estimates to be obtained and combined for accurate positioning, with periodic frequency synchronization updates to reduce errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential round-trip time estimation is performed between each pair of nodes, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operations in large networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timing estimation process into two distinct types: primary estimates (round-trip time measurements) and secondary estimates (one-way time measurements). This segmentation allows the system to collect multiple types of timing data that can be combined to improve overall positioning accuracy while maintaining efficiency in large networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs partial action by selectively performing different types of estimates based on network conditions and requirements. Not all nodes need to perform both primary and secondary estimates, and the system can adjust the extent of estimation activities to balance accuracy requirements with network efficiency.
2Device complexity
If all nodes broadcast packets sequentially to allow reception, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic broadcasting where nodes transmit packets at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. Each node has designated time slots for broadcasting, creating a periodic pattern that simplifies node operation while reducing the overall time required for complete network coverage compared to purely sequential approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scheduling of broadcast time slots before actual packet transmission. This preliminary organization of when each node will broadcast eliminates the need for complex real-time coordination during transmission, simplifying device operation while optimizing the timing of broadcast iterations.
3Measurement precision
If timing estimates are collected and combined from multiple nodes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master node that acts as an intermediary to collect, aggregate, and process timing estimates from all other nodes in the network. This centralizes the complex processing operations at a single node rather than requiring each node to independently process and combine estimates, thereby improving positioning accuracy while managing system complexity through centralized coordination.
4Reliability
If frequency synchronization updates are performed periodically, then reliability is improved by reducing timing errors, but productivity decreases due to additional broadcast operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic frequency synchronization updates at strategically chosen intervals rather than continuously. This periodic approach maintains timing synchronization accuracy and reduces cumulative timing errors while minimizing the impact on positioning operation speed by avoiding excessive synchronization overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs frequency synchronization updates selectively based on detected timing error thresholds or network conditions. Rather than updating synchronization at every possible opportunity, the system applies partial updates only when necessary to maintain reliability, thereby balancing synchronization accuracy with positioning operation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communications network may include multiple nodes, one of which is selected as a master node. The nodes may take turns broadcasting respective packets according to a predetermined broadcast schedule. During any given broadcast iteration, each node may broadcast a packet while the other remaining nodes receive the broadcast packet in parallel. In response to receiving the broadcast packet, each node may be configured to obtain desired estimated timing values. The estimated timing values may be transmitted back to the master node for use in computing time-of-flight information. Frequency-synchronization operations may be periodically performed to help reduce timing errors. The time-of-flight information, along with other location-based metrics, may be used in determining the relative positions of the multiple nodes in the network.