ESA Beacon for Ranging in Obstructed Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terrestrial positioning and ranging technologies, such as GPS, are unreliable or unavailable in environments like large buildings, areas with thick undergrowth, or outdoors with obstructions, due to limitations in resolution and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A terrestrial ranging system utilizing an electronic scanned array (ESA) antenna and transceiver that emits and receives radio frequency (RF) phased-array narrow beams to calculate the angle-of-arrival (AOA) and time-of-flight (TOF) of signals from end user nodes, enabling accurate location determination without prior infrastructure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS satellite signals are used for positioning, then location determination is possible in open environments, but the system becomes unreliable or unavailable in obstructed environments such as large buildings, areas with thick undergrowth, or outdoors with obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RF beacons as intermediary positioning stations that operate in the radio frequency domain, enabling signals to penetrate obstructions that block optical GPS signals. These beacons serve as mediators between the satellite system and the receiver, providing alternative signal paths through building materials and foliage that maintain positioning reliability in obstructed environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical/electromagnetic GPS signal system with an RF-based terrestrial positioning system. By substituting the satellite-based electromagnetic signal approach with ground-based RF beacons and receivers, the system achieves penetration capabilities through obstructions that block higher frequency GPS signals, thereby improving reliability in building and dense vegetation environments
2Reliability
If a network of positioning stations is established throughout a structure to improve ranging accuracy, then positioning reliability improves, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The RF beacons are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide positioning signals, enable communication, and can serve as navigation aids. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated positioning infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high ranging reliability through the same versatile nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic beam forming and signal processing techniques that allow the positioning network to adapt to changing environmental conditions and node configurations. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain high reliability without requiring a fixed, overly complex infrastructure, as the system can optimize its operation based on real-time conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If inertial navigation systems are used for positioning, then the system can operate independently of external infrastructure, but cumulative position inaccuracy increases over short periods of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the RF receiver continuously receives positioning signals from beacons and adjusts its position estimates accordingly. This feedback loop prevents the cumulative error that plagues inertial navigation systems by continuously correcting position estimates based on external RF reference points, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while preserving infrastructure independence
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ranging technologies are used to achieve positioning in obstructed environments, then coverage is improved, but resolution and reliability remain significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs advanced signal processing parameter changes including code division multiplexing, frequency hopping, and adaptive beam forming to enhance positioning resolution. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high measurement precision in obstructed environments where traditional fixed-parameter technologies fail to provide adequate resolution
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
The system provides reliable and accurate location tracking of end user nodes within obstructed environments, offering a non-intrusive, portable, and self-powered solution that can operate independently of local infrastructure, with high precision and penetration capabilities through building materials and foliage.
Implementation Method 1
Each phase shifter can correspond to phase control of a radiator aperture in an electronic scanned array (ESA) antenna. The aggregate of phase shifters, splitters and summers comprise the ESA beamformer. The phase shifter can phase shift each RF signal to form a narrow in-phase beam in a specified direction.
Implementation Method 2
The ESA antenna is configured to emit a separate radio frequency (RF) phased-array narrow beam for each of a plurality of segments of an arc
Implementation Method 3
The processing module can be configured to calculate at least one of an angle-of-arrival (AOA) and a time-of-flight (TOF) from the response signal and generate a location of the end user node relative to a location of the beacon.
Implementation Method 4
The processing module can be configured to calculate at least one of an angle-of-arrival (AOA) and a time-of-flight (TOF) from the response signal
Data Source
AI summary
A beacon (110) for a ranging system includes an electronic scanned array (ESA) antenna and a transceiver. The ESA antenna is configured to emit a separate radio frequency (RF) phased-array narrow beam (140) for each of a plurality of segments of an arc, and receive from an end user node (130) a response signal based on at least one of the RF phased-array narrow beam (140). Each segment of the arc is scanned at a specified time interval. The transceiver is configured to transmit a pulsed signal via the RF phased-array narrow beam (140), and receive the response signal.