Multivariate Position Estimation Using Single-Receiver Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Highly accurate geolocation techniques require complex systems and often fail to provide sufficient accuracy, especially in GPS-denied spaces and for applications like autonomous vehicles that need real-time position estimates.
Innovation Solution
A multivariate position estimation method using time of arrival, angle of arrival, Doppler, and prior location information in an iterative process to calculate accurate 3D coordinates, which can be implemented with a single receiver or multiple receivers, employing a cost function to minimize errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple anchors are used for highly accurate geolocation, then position estimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/system complexity of multiple physical anchors with a computational approach using a single receiver. By substituting the physical infrastructure of multiple anchors with signal processing algorithms that analyze time of arrival, angle of arrival, and Doppler measurements, the system achieves high-precision geolocation without the complexity of deploying and coordinating multiple anchor nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from simple distance-based triangulation (requiring multiple anchors) to a multivariate approach using time of arrival, angle of arrival, and Doppler frequency shifts. By utilizing these additional parameters from a single receiver, the system achieves the same positioning accuracy that would traditionally require multiple anchors, thereby reducing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional geolocation techniques are used in GPS-denied spaces, then general location estimation is possible, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes GPS satellite-based positioning with a ground-based single receiver system that uses acoustic or electromagnetic signal analysis. By replacing the space-based GPS infrastructure with a terrestrial receiver that processes time of arrival, angle of arrival, and Doppler measurements, the system achieves high-precision positioning in GPS-denied environments where satellite signals are blocked or unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal processing system that mediates between the moving object's transmissions and the position estimation. The single receiver acts as an intermediary that captures multiple signal characteristics (time, angle, frequency) and processes them through algorithms to derive accurate position information, bridging the gap between signal reception and precise location determination in challenging environments.
3Measurement precision
If complex geolocation systems are implemented, then position accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring and preprocessing signal characteristics (time of arrival, angle of arrival, Doppler shifts) as they are received. The system maintains a ready state with pre-computed signal parameters, allowing for rapid position estimation when needed. This preliminary signal analysis enables the system to provide real-time position updates without requiring complex post-processing computations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces computationally intensive multivariate calculations with optimized signal processing algorithms that exploit the structure of the received measurements. By substituting general-purpose complex computation with specialized algorithms designed for this specific measurement type, the system achieves high-precision positioning at reduced computational cost and faster processing speed, enabling real-time applications.
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 highly accurate and real-time position estimation in various environments, including GPS-denied spaces, using a single node, improving the reliability and precision of geolocation for applications like autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a time of arrival component that generates a time of arrival measurement for the communication
Implementation Method 2
an angle of arrival component that generates an angle of arrival measurement for the communication
Implementation Method 3
a Doppler component that generates a Doppler measurement for the communication
Data Source
AI summary
Multivariate position estimation can be performed to provide a position estimate of a moving object. The multivariate position estimation approach can employ multiple types of information including time of arrival (or time difference of arrival), angle of arrival, Doppler, and/or prior location information in an iterative process to calculate a location estimate that is highly accurate. In particular, the multivariate position estimation approach can employ the statistical quality of each of these types of information to quickly arrive at a highly accurate position estimate within a 3D coordinate system. The multivariate position estimation approach can be implemented in environments where a single receiver is available as well as in environments where multiple receivers exist.