Leaky Coaxial Cable Positioning in Closed Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in accurately positioning terminal devices in closed spaces like tunnels and mines due to limited applicable positioning technologies and vulnerability to malfunctions in separate beacon device systems.

Innovation Solution

A communication system utilizing a network of leaky coaxial cables as antennas, with strategically positioned slots to create non-overlapping service areas, allowing seamless handover of signals as the terminal device roams, and a server system to determine the device's position by analyzing changes in serving cables, enhancing positioning accuracy in both horizontal and vertical directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate beacon devices are used for positioning in closed spaces, then positioning capability is provided, but system complexity increases and reliability decreases due to separate system management and vulnerability to malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidsystem management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the positioning function with the existing communication infrastructure by using leaky coaxial cables that serve dual purposes: providing communication signals and enabling positioning. The same cable network that delivers communication services also carries positioning information, eliminating the need for separate beacon devices and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The leaky coaxial cable system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides communication coverage and positioning capability through the same physical infrastructure. The cable acts as both a communication transmission medium and a positioning reference, allowing the system to serve multiple purposes without requiring additional dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate beacon devices are deployed for positioning, then positioning function is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to malfunctions and separate system management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the positioning function into the existing communication system infrastructure, the patent eliminates the reliability issues associated with separate beacon devices. The unified system reduces points of failure and simplifies maintenance, as the same robust communication infrastructure that has proven reliable for data transmission now also provides positioning services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If leaky coaxial cables with slots are used to create service areas, then positioning accuracy improves, but signal interference may occur from overlapping service areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the coverage area into distinct service areas by strategically positioning slots along the leaky coaxial cables. Each slot creates a localized service area with controlled signal leakage, allowing the system to segment the overall coverage zone into manageable sections that can be individually optimized and monitored for positioning purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by varying the slot positions and characteristics at different locations along the cable to create non-uniform service areas. This allows optimization of signal distribution in specific zones to prevent overlap and interference while maintaining positioning accuracy in each local area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Measurement precision

If terminal device position is determined by analyzing serving cable changes, then positioning is achieved in closed spaces, but complexity increases in determining position in both horizontal and vertical directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidposition determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that automatically analyzes the sequence of serving cables and determines position information. This intermediary system handles the complexity of multi-dimensional position determination by processing cable identification data and translating it into precise location information, reducing the burden on the terminal device while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides robust and accurate positioning of terminal devices in complex environments by minimizing signal interference and improving handover efficiency, enabling reliable communication network access and precise location determination.

Implementation Method 1

leaky coaxial cables as antennas... slots to create non-overlapping service areas... signal interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation leakage: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3661162B1Terminal location determination based on leaky coaxial cables
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 TELIASONERA AB
  • EP3661162B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3661162B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a communication system for positioning of a terminal device (200). The communication system comprises at least three leaky coaxial cables (110, 120, 130), a server device (300) for determining a position of a terminal device (200) in response to a receipt of data from the terminal device (200) through at least two coaxial cables (110, 120, 130). The server device (300) is arranged to determine an indicator value representing the at least two coaxial cables (110, 120, 130) through which the data from the terminal device (200) is received and to compare the indicator value to change patterns stored in data storage accessible to the server device (300), and in response to a match in a comparison to generate data representing the position of the terminal device (200). The invention also relates to a method for positioning the terminal device (200).