Wireless Device Localization via Pulse Time of Arrival and Directional Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network systems face challenges in accurately localizing devices within the network, particularly for energy-constrained distributed nodes with limited power supplies, where efficient internodal communication and data origin identification are essential.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a combination of anchor nodes with directional output signals and pulse-based localization methods, using time of arrival and directional antenna approaches to determine the location of distributed nodes, which can include energy-constrained devices, by generating beacons with varying intensity profiles and angles, and utilizing synchronized clocks for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulse-based time of arrival localization is used, then location determination accuracy is improved, but system complexity and synchronization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anchor nodes as intermediary devices with known locations that facilitate the localization process. These anchor nodes receive pulses from distributed nodes and provide reference points for time of arrival calculations, thereby improving location accuracy without requiring complex synchronization across all network nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the wireless network into distinct functional segments: distributed nodes that generate pulses, anchor nodes that receive and process signals, and a localization server that performs calculations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high localization accuracy
2Reliability
If directional antenna approaches are used, then localization robustness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor nodes are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as receivers for pulse-based localization and as directional signal sources. This universal design allows the same hardware infrastructure to support multiple localization methods, improving robustness without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates directional information as an additional dimension for localization. By using angles of arrival and directional beamforming, the system adds angular measurements to the traditional time-based approach, creating a more robust localization system that can operate effectively in various environmental conditions
3Loss of information
If anchor nodes with known locations are deployed, then data origin identification is improved, but network cost and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses anchor nodes as reference copies with known, pre-determined locations. These anchor nodes provide a stable framework against which all distributed node locations are measured, enabling accurate data origin identification without requiring every node to have complex self-localization capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The locations of anchor nodes are predetermined and established before the actual localization process begins. This preliminary setup creates a ready-made reference framework that simplifies subsequent localization operations and enables rapid data origin identification without requiring complex real-time calculations across the entire network
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 enhances the accuracy and robustness of node localization, allowing for efficient internodal communication and data origin identification, even with low-cost, low-accuracy clocks, and increases the system's flexibility and redundancy, enabling precise location determination in two and three-dimensional spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the pulse is captured by anchor devices having known locations and used, in a time of arrival approach, to determine the location of the example device
Implementation Method 2
an anchor node that generates a directional output signal, the direction output signal including data indicating its direction
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless devices, systems and approaches or methods having the capability of determining the location of a given wireless device. An example system includes a wireless device that generates at least one pulse as a part of an output signal, and the at least one pulse is captured by anchor devices and used, in a time of arrival approach, to determine the location of the example device. The at least one pulse may be generated during a designated portion of an otherwise normally modulated message. Another example system includes an anchor node that generates a directional output signal, the direction output signal including data indicating its direction, and the directions of output signals from plural anchor nodes when pointed at a wireless device are used to determine the location of the wireless device. Combinations of the pulse and directional antenna systems, devices used within each of these systems, and approaches associated with these systems are also included.