Base Station Time Synchronization Using Target Node Angle Measurements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In radio communications systems, base stations require high-accuracy time synchronization for precise position determination of target nodes, which is compromised by inter-base station synchronization degradation, leading to increased position errors in Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) methods.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that estimate angles between base station paths and target nodes, calculate a difference in distances using geometric relationships, and convert this into a timing correction value to synchronize base station clocks, improving positioning accuracy by using reference signal time difference measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional time synchronization methods are used between base stations, then the system operates with standard synchronization protocols, but synchronization accuracy degrades leading to increased position errors in OTDOA positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a target node (user equipment) as an intermediary to establish a triangular geometric relationship with two base stations. By measuring angles at the target node and applying trigonometric calculations, the system determines the distance difference between the target node and each base station, thereby achieving precise time synchronization without direct base station-to-base station synchronization protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electronic synchronization systems (direct clock synchronization between base stations) with a geometric-trigonometric calculation system. Instead of relying on hardware synchronization mechanisms, the system uses angle measurements and mathematical relationships to compute timing corrections, substituting physical synchronization infrastructure with computational geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If base stations are time synchronized with high accuracy using conventional methods, then positioning can be performed, but the method fails in complex networks and requires additional signal types for indoor positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning and synchronization method that works across diverse network configurations (indoor, outdoor, complex, simple) using only standard RAN protocols. The geometric-trigonometric approach is agnostic to network topology and environment, eliminating the need for environment-specific signal types or additional infrastructure, thereby achieving multi-functional adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters used for positioning from time-based measurements (requiring synchronized clocks) to angle-based measurements (which do not require synchronization). By measuring angles of arrival/departure and applying trigonometric relationships, the system transforms the positioning problem from a time-synchronization-dependent task to a geometry-based task, enabling operation in environments where conventional methods fail.
3Reliability
If direct clock synchronization between base stations is implemented, then timing alignment is achieved, but the system complexity increases and additional infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization function from the base station infrastructure itself and relocates it to the target node. Instead of requiring synchronized clocks at the base stations, the method extracts timing information through angle measurements performed by the target node, eliminating the need for complex base station synchronization infrastructure while maintaining positioning reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising means for estimating a first angle (θ1) between a first path between a first base station and at least one target node and a second path between the first base station and a second base station, and estimating a second angle (θ2) between a third path between the second base station and the at least one target node and the second path. The apparatus also comprises means for determining a value (Δd) indicative of a difference between a first distance between the at least one target node and the first base station and a second distance between the at least one target node and the second base station, wherein determining the value is based on the estimated first and second angles (θ1) (θ2) and a known distance (l) between the first and second base stations.