Multi-node Phase Ambiguity Decision Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for eliminating phase ambiguities in radio-based distance measurements are limited by the need for accurate phase measurements at each receiver, which can be unreliable due to varying reception conditions, especially when the phase relationship between signals at different frequencies is unknown.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using multiple nodes with antennas and frequency generators, where each node performs phase measurements and makes decisions on phase ambiguity, with a joint decision made through aggregation of these decisions, allowing for reliable ambiguity fixing without requiring additional equipment or knowledge of node positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single receiver is used to make phase ambiguity decisions, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of phase ambiguity fixing deteriorate under varying reception conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines phase ambiguity decisions from multiple nodes (receivers, transceivers, or round trips) into a joint decision. Each node independently makes a phase ambiguity decision based on its local measurements, and these decisions are then aggregated to form a final joint decision that applies to all nodes receiving the same output signal from the transmitter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the phase ambiguity resolution task into independent segments performed by multiple nodes. Each node performs its own phase measurements and makes its own phase ambiguity decision independently, rather than relying on a single centralized decision-making point. This segmentation allows parallel processing and improves overall reliability.
2Reliability
If phase measurements are performed at each node independently, then the measurement precision at individual nodes may be insufficient due to varying reception conditions, but performing joint decision-making through aggregation improves the overall reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having each node communicate its phase ambiguity decision to a central unit or other nodes. The aggregation of these decisions provides feedback that improves the overall reliability of the phase ambiguity fixing, as the joint decision compensates for individual node failures or poor reception conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transmitter uses non-coherent signals at different frequencies, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring phase relationships increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each node performs preliminary phase measurements and makes phase ambiguity decisions independently before aggregation. This preliminary action at each node simplifies the overall measurement process, as each node handles the complex phase relationship determination locally using its own reception conditions, rather than requiring complex centralized processing of non-coherent multi-frequency signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for eliminating ambiguity in phase measurements or phase relationships (integer ambiguity fixing). Such methods and systems are widely known from the prior art. An ambiguity search function is known from GPS, because the elimination of the phase ambiguities to an integer is crucial for achieving high accuracy with GPS, particularly with short measurement times. The method and system disclosed herein improve the decision-making to fix the phase ambiguity (integer ambiguity fixing). All receivers receiving the signal regardless of their location make the same decision and the decision is better or worse depending on the reception conditions. The reception conditions can be determined in particular by the received signal quality, amplitude and/or power. By using several receivers and their decisions it is therefore possible to make a better decision, which then applies to all receivers.