Broadcast TV Positioning Without GPS Using Signal-Time Trilateration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TV signal receivers lack a reliable method to determine their position without relying on GPS receivers, and GPS signals can be spoofed or unreliable in certain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A broadcast positioning system that uses TV signal transmitters to include transmission time and clock information in TV signals, allowing TV signal receivers to perform trilateration or multilateration without a GPS receiver, compensating for signal processing delays to accurately calculate position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TV signal receivers use GPS receivers to determine position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The TV signal receiver is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving TV broadcast signals for content display and receiving the same signals for positioning determination. By utilizing the broadcast TV signals that already contain transmission timing information, the receiver can determine its position through trilateration without requiring a separate GPS receiver, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The broadcast TV signal system provides positioning information as an inherent feature of the TV broadcast itself. The transmission timing information embedded in the TV signal allows receivers to self-determine their position using the known locations of broadcast towers, eliminating the need for dedicated positioning hardware
2Adaptability or versatility
If TV signal receivers rely on GPS signals for location services, then positioning capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to signal spoofing and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the existing TV broadcast infrastructure, which was originally designed solely for content delivery, into a dual-purpose system that also provides reliable positioning services. The high-power terrestrial TV transmission towers and their embedded timing information become a trusted positioning source that is resistant to spoofing, as it leverages the established, secure broadcast infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter source for positioning from GPS satellite signals to TV broadcast signal timing parameters. By using the transmission timing information embedded in TV signals and the known positions of broadcast towers, the system provides an alternative positioning method that operates independently of GPS signal parameters, thereby improving reliability against GPS spoofing and interference
3Area of stationary object
If GPS satellite signals are used for positioning, then global coverage is achieved, but signal transmission reliability deteriorates in adverse weather and obstructed environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a terrestrial copy of the satellite positioning concept using existing TV broadcast towers. Instead of relying on GPS satellites orbiting overhead, the system uses locally-based TV towers that transmit signals through terrestrial infrastructure, providing positioning coverage that is accessible in environments where satellite signals may be blocked or interfered with
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
Enables TV signal receivers to determine their location accurately using TV broadcast signals, providing a secondary or backup method to GPS and enhancing reliability by verifying GPS positions, even in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
TV broadcasters use high-power, high tower, terrestrial antennas to broadcast TV signals. The TV signals are modulated onto a radio frequency carrier and radiated from an antenna as over-the-air signals.
Implementation Method 2
The transmission time of the broadcast TV signal is used by the TV signal receiver to determine the time of arrival, and thus the propagation delay of the broadcast TV signal between the TV signal transmitter and its reception at the TV signal receiver.
Data Source
AI summary
Broadcast positioning systems supporting location services through over-the-air broadcast television (TV) signals are disclosed. The broadcast positioning system supports a broadcast TV signal format that includes a transmission time of the broadcastTV. The transmission time of the broadcast TV signal is used by a TV signal receiver to determine the propagation delay of the broadcast TV signal between the TV signal transmitter and the TV signal receiver. The TV signal receiver is also configured to receive multiple broadcast TV signals from multiple TV broadcasters, wherein the same delay of arrival for those broadcast TV signals can be determined. In this manner, the TV signal receiver can use the determined multiple delays of arrival from the multiple received broadcast TV signals as time-of-arrival (TOA) and the known locations of the antenna radiating these multiple broadcast TV signals to perform a trilateration or multilateration calculation to determine its position.