Universal Time Association via Marker Signal Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite positioning systems face challenges in providing accurate time aiding to mobile terminals, especially in environments with obstructed sky views or indoors, and existing methods are inefficient in transferring fine time information due to processing delays and motion-related timing corrections.
Innovation Solution
A method within a mobile terminal to associate universal time with time of arrival information by using a marker signal with a known universal time tag from a timing device, measuring its timing relationship with an independent oscillator, and calculating the universal time corresponding to the time of arrival information, thereby enabling precise time synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite positioning systems are used to provide accurate time aiding, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the system fails to work properly in environments with obstructed sky views or indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terrestrial radio network signal as an intermediary carrier to transfer GPS time information to mobile terminals in environments where direct GPS satellite signals are blocked. The base station receives GPS time data and retransmits it via terrestrial radio channels, enabling indirect time synchronization when direct satellite viewing is obstructed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If GPS time information is transferred via terrestrial radio network signals, then environmental adaptability is improved, but processing delays and motion-related timing corrections reduce time synchronization precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary correction for motion-related timing effects by calculating and compensating for Doppler shifts and propagation delays before the time information is used for synchronization. This advance correction minimizes the impact of terminal movement and signal transmission delays on the final time synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the mobile terminal reports its position and movement status to the network, which then adjusts the time transfer parameters accordingly. This closed-loop approach allows continuous optimization of timing accuracy despite changing environmental conditions and terminal motion.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of associating a universal time with time of arrival information of an identified component of a signal at a terminal of a radio positioning system is disclosed. In the method a marker signal with an associated universal time tag is obtained from a timing device (or the marker signal is obtained from an independent oscillator and a universal time tag assigned to the marker signal), and the time or phase relationship between the marker signal (or between the time of arrival information of said identified component respectively) and the oscillator is measured. The time of arrival information of said identified component relative to the oscillator is determined and the universal time corresponding to the time of arrival information of said identified component is calculated from said universal time tag and said measured time or phase relationship, before the calculated universal time is associated with said time of arrival information.