Wireless Device Orientation Alignment Using Phase-Difference Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location of wireless transmitters in wireless networks often require stable reference signals, which can be difficult to maintain in varying environments, and may not accurately account for the orientation and alignment of wireless devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a plurality of receive elements distributed in two or three dimensional orientations to determine expected phase differences for geographic regions, allowing for the estimation of a wireless transmitter's location based on measured phase differences without the need for a stable reference signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stable reference signals are used for location determination, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates because stable reference signals are difficult to maintain in varying environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase difference measurements as an intermediary method to determine location without requiring stable reference signals. By measuring the phase difference between signals received at multiple antenna elements, the system can calculate transmitter location relative to the antenna array orientation, eliminating the need for externally stable reference signals that are difficult to maintain in varying environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of using stable reference signals with an electromagnetic field-based phase difference measurement system. Instead of relying on stable reference signal transmission, the system uses the inherent phase characteristics of received signals across multiple antenna elements to determine location, substituting a more reliable electromagnetic measurement mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If wireless device orientation is not considered, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because orientation and alignment are not accurately accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the wireless device automatically determine its own orientation and alignment relative to the antenna array through phase difference measurements. The system calculates the orientation of the transmitter relative to the antenna elements and uses this information to adjust location determination, eliminating the need for external orientation calibration or manual alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from simple signal strength or time of arrival to phase difference, which inherently contains orientation information. By measuring phase differences across multiple antenna elements and analyzing how these phases vary with transmitter position and orientation, the system extracts both location and orientation data from the same signal measurements, avoiding the need for separate orientation sensing systems.
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 accurate determination of a wireless transmitter's location and orientation by comparing measured phase differences with expected phase differences, improving location estimation precision and adaptability across different environments.
Implementation Method 1
determine a first location and a first orientation of a first wireless device with respect to a second wireless device based on at least a phase difference of a signal exchanged between the two wireless devices
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments provide for guided alignment of the orientation of two wireless devices (3500). A first wireless device is at a known position and a known orientation (3510). A signal from a second wireless device is received via a plurality of receive elements of the first wireless device (3515). The first wireless device measures phase differences of the signal at the plurality of receive elements, and determines locations of each of the second wireless device's transmit elements based on the differences (3520). Based on the transmit element locations, and a known antenna layout of the second wireless device, an orientation of the second wireless device is determined (3525). Based on differences between the determined orientation and the known orientation of the first wireless device, instructions for aligning the devices are generated (3530, 3535). Location estimates of a third wireless device are made.