Multi-Antenna Radio Positioning via Phase Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems using radio frequency communication apparatuses are costly and lack accuracy due to the need for multiple sensors or transmitters, and face challenges in reconstructing databases for changing environments, especially in indoor settings.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system utilizing a communication apparatus with multiple antennas that calculates the terminal's position using the phase difference between signals transmitted from these antennas, allowing for accurate positioning with one or more communication apparatuses, thereby reducing costs and enabling integration with existing communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple transmitters are installed for triangulation or angle estimation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single transmitter into multiple virtual transmitters by equipping it with multiple antennas. Each antenna acts as an independent signal source, creating multiple signal paths to the receiver. This segmentation allows the system to achieve positioning accuracy equivalent to having multiple physical transmitters while using only one physical device, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transmitter with multiple antennas serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can perform triangulation, angle estimation, and distance measurement all from one device. The multiple antennas enable the transmitter to create diverse signal paths that would otherwise require multiple separate transmitters, making the single device universal enough to replace multiple specialized transmitters and reduce overall system cost.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are installed for recognition-type navigation, then positioning coverage is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial distribution of multiple sensors to signal space utilization through multiple antennas. Instead of placing sensors throughout the area to achieve coverage, the system uses multiple antennas at a single location to create multiple signal paths and measurement opportunities. This dimensional shift from physical space to signal space allows comprehensive positioning coverage without the complexity of deploying numerous sensors across the area.
3Measurement precision
If a database of signal intensities is constructed for position estimation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but time and cost for database construction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of constructing and maintaining a signal intensity database with a direct geometric calculation method. Instead of measuring and storing signal intensities at numerous locations to build a database, the system uses phase difference measurements from multiple antennas to directly calculate position through triangulation and angle estimation. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming database construction process while maintaining positioning accuracy through mathematical computation.
4Quantity of substance
If a single communication apparatus is used for positioning, then cost is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single communication apparatus into multiple functional units by equipping it with multiple antennas. Each antenna functions as an independent signal source, creating multiple measurement paths. This segmentation allows the single apparatus to perform multiple positioning measurements simultaneously, achieving the accuracy that would otherwise require multiple separate communication apparatuses, thereby reducing cost while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a single communication apparatus, merging their functions while maintaining their individual signal transmission capabilities. This merging creates a compact system that performs the work of multiple separate transmitters within one device, reducing the quantity of communication apparatuses needed while preserving the measurement precision that would result from having multiple distributed transmitters.
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 enables accurate terminal positioning using a single communication apparatus, with improved accuracy as the number of apparatuses increases, while allowing for configuration at lower costs and compatibility with existing communication systems without requiring additional systems.
Implementation Method 1
calculating a position of the terminal using a phase difference between signals that are transmitted from the multiple antennas to the terminal
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a positioning system and a method based on a radio communication apparatus including multiple antennas, and more particularly, to a positioning system and a method of positioning a terminal using a communication apparatus including multiple antennas. The positioning system and the method based on a radio communication apparatus including multiple antennas calculate a position of a terminal using a single communication apparatus in which the multiple antennas are mounted and can calculate the position of the terminal more accurately by using two or more communication apparatuses. In addition, the positioning system and the method communicate with a transception apparatus, a relay station, or a wireless access point of an existing communication system, thereby accurately obtaining the position of the terminal.