Mobile Unit Positioning via Signal Propagation Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position of a mobile unit relative to base units are costly due to the need for expensive equipment like GPS receivers, cameras, and laser systems, and are often time-consuming and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates the position of a mobile unit by determining the transmission and reception times of signals between the mobile unit and base units, using the intersection of subspaces calculated from these times to determine the mobile unit's position without the need for expensive equipment, allowing for cost-effective and accurate position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-based scanning, laser scanning, or GPS distance measurements are used to determine position information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and optical measurement systems (cameras, laser scanners, GPS receivers) with a simpler electromagnetic signal-based system. Base units transmit signals that mobile units receive, and position is calculated through time difference of arrival measurements and triangulation mathematics, eliminating the need for expensive hardware while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the positioning function using standard signal transmission and reception components rather than requiring specialized measurement equipment. The positioning capability is replicated through software calculation algorithms that process signal timing data, replacing physical measurement devices with computational methods.
2Device complexity
If manual position determination methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated position determination where mobile units automatically transmit signals and base units automatically receive and process these signals to calculate positions. The system serves itself by using the mobile unit's own signal transmissions and the base units' automatic signal reception and calculation to determine positions without human intervention, thereby improving productivity while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a pre-configured system where base units are positioned at known locations and are ready to receive signals. The evaluation unit is pre-programmed with the necessary calculation algorithms to process signal timing data and determine positions automatically, eliminating the need for manual measurement processes.
3Measurement precision
If GPS receivers, cameras, and laser systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex positioning hardware (GPS receivers, cameras, laser systems) with inexpensive standard electronic components for signal transmission and reception. The positioning function is achieved through software algorithms rather than costly hardware, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining acceptable positioning precision for various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of measurement from physical/optical (camera images, laser distances, GPS satellite signals) to electromagnetic signal timing (radio frequency signal transmission and reception times). This parameter change enables the use of standard, inexpensive electronic components instead of specialized expensive equipment, reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the required measurement precision.
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 cost-effective determination of the mobile unit's position using readily manufactured or purchased units, eliminating the need for GPS receivers, cameras, and laser systems, while providing accurate position information for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the evaluation unit determines the input time of the response signals at itself and, from the known position of the base units relative to the evaluation unit, the transmission times of the response signals from the base units, and from this and the latency times of the base units, the reception times of the signal from the mobile unit at the base units, and from this the time difference between the individual reception times
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the position of a mobile unit (12, 18, 40, 50-56) relative to at least two base units (8). To achieve a simple and cost-effective determination, it is proposed that one of the units (8, 12, 18, 40, 50-56) sends at least one signal, that position information is determined from a propagation delay that depends on the propagation delay of the signal to at least one of the other units (8, 12, 18, 40, 50-56), and that the position of the mobile unit (12, 18, 40, 50-56) is determined from at least two position information values determined in this way.