Mobile Multilateration Using Self-Surveying Remote Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multilateration systems require stationary, pre-surveyed remote units (RUs) and a reference transponder for accurate position determination of radio signal emitters, limiting their mobility and applicability in dynamic or disaster scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The system employs GPS receivers and sensors like speedometers, magnetic compasses, and gyroscopes in mobile RUs to self-survey and self-synchronize, allowing them to determine their positions and synchronize with each other, enabling multilateration without the need for stationary RUs or a reference transponder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stationary, pre-surveyed remote units are used for multilateration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static multilateration system into a dynamic one by enabling remote units to be mobile rather than stationary. The system uses GPS receivers and inertial measurement units (IMUs) in mobile vehicles to continuously determine positions and maintain synchronization, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and disaster scenarios while preserving measurement precision through real-time position updates and time synchronization protocols.
2Measurement precision
If pre-surveyed remote units with reference transponder are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and deployment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling remote units to autonomously determine their own positions using GPS receivers and IMUs without requiring external surveying equipment or pre-established reference transponders. The units automatically synchronize their clocks using time transfer protocols and communicate their position and timing data to a central processor, eliminating the need for complex pre-deployment surveying operations and reference transmitter setup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile remote units without synchronization are used, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where mobile remote units continuously exchange timing information and position data through communication protocols. The system uses time transfer protocols that provide feedback on clock synchronization status and adjust timing measurements accordingly. Position data from GPS and IMU sensors is continuously fed back to update the multilateration calculations, maintaining measurement precision despite the mobile and unsynchronized nature of the individual units.
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 approach allows for precise, mobile multilateration of target positions, enhancing system flexibility and resilience in dynamic environments, such as disaster scenarios, by eliminating the need for pre-surveyed RUs and a reference transponder.
Implementation Method 1
Each RU utilizes a clock that is synchronized to a common time base (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) time may be used as the common time base)
Implementation Method 2
The sensors detect the physical conditions of the receiving unit (e.g., its motion and trajectory relative to the previous position determined by the GPS receiver or other means)
Implementation Method 3
sensors like speedometers, magnetic compasses, and gyroscopes in mobile RUs to self-survey and self-synchronize
Implementation Method 4
sensors like speedometers, magnetic compasses, and gyroscopes in mobile RUs
Implementation Method 5
Signal arriving time measurements are often referred to as Time-of-Arrival (TOA) measurements and the difference between two TOAs is often referred to as a Difference-Time-of-Arrival (DTOA) measurement
Implementation Method 6
the difference between signal TOA and the signal transmitting time defines the range to the target, because distance and time are related by the speed of light (a constant)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of multilaterating the position of a target, including the steps of deploying a plurality of time synchronized receiving units in a network that allows the receiving units to communicate with a central processor; receiving a target signal from the target at each receiving unit; determining a time of arrival for the target signal at each receiving unit; determining position data for each receiving unit at the time when the target signal is received at each respective receiving unit; and using the time of arrival and position data for each receiving unit to determine the position of the target by multilateration. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.