Target Object Localization Using Wireless Ranging and UE Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating lost objects using wireless signals require multiple antennas for Angle of Arrival (AoA) information, which increases costs and complexity, and are not feasible without these antennas.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines position-distance values using wireless ranging signals between a user equipment and a target object, allowing the calculation of the target object's position without relying on AoA information, by measuring distances and positions at different locations, enabling localization without the need for multiple antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used for Angle of Arrival (AoA) information, then object localization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the requirement for multiple antennas and AoA information from the localization system. Instead of using complex multi-antenna setups, the invention uses a single antenna with TDoA measurements between multiple user equipment devices to achieve accurate object localization, thereby eliminating unnecessary components and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces user equipment (UE) positions as intermediary elements in the localization process. By measuring TDoA between multiple UEs and the target object, and combining this with known UE positions, the system can calculate object location without requiring the object itself to have multiple antennas, thus reducing its complexity while maintaining accuracy
2Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used for Angle of Arrival (AoA) information, then object localization capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for multiple antennas from the target object, eliminating the need for expensive multi-antenna assemblies, additional RF components, and complex calibration procedures. The localization capability is achieved through software-based TDoA processing using positions of multiple user equipment devices instead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex multi-antenna hardware with simpler, cheaper alternatives - using standard single-antenna user equipment devices whose positions are already known through other means (GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, etc.). This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining localization functionality
3Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used for Angle of Arrival (AoA) information, then wireless ranging capability is improved, but calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for AoA antenna calibration by removing the multiple-antenna requirement entirely. Instead of calibrating phase differences and signal arrivals across multiple antennas, the system uses TDoA measurements between independently positioned user equipment devices, which do not require inter-antenna calibration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the system self-calibrating by using the known positions of user equipment devices (obtained through independent positioning systems) as reference points. The wireless ranging capability automatically adapts to different UE positions without requiring manual calibration of the target object's antenna array, as the geometry is defined by the moving UEs rather than fixed object antennas
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 allows for effective object localization using standard user equipment, reducing costs and complexity while providing directional information to the user, enabling accurate positioning of lost objects without the requirement for multiple antennas.
Implementation Method 1
a distance corresponding to the position of the user equipment, the distance being between the position of the user equipment and the target object measured using one or more wireless ranging signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for locating a target object, includes: determining a plurality of position-distance values, each of the plurality of position-distance values includes: a position of a user equipment relative to a reference position; and a distance corresponding to the position of the user equipment, the distance being between the position of the user equipment and the target object measured using one or more wireless ranging signals between the user equipment and the target object, where each position of the user equipment in the plurality of position-distance values is different; and calculating a position of the target object using the plurality of position-distance values, where the position of the target object is relative to the reference position.