Indoor Positioning via Phase Difference Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location-based services face challenges in achieving high accuracy for indoor positioning due to the limitations of existing technologies, which often result in insufficient precision, high costs, and complexity in deploying infrastructure, limiting their widespread adoption and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a phase difference array with multiple independent receivers to calculate the position of a wireless electronic device by measuring phase differences between signals detected at spatially independent positions, allowing for precise determination of the device's location without the need for timing circuits or extensive infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or traditional cell phone positioning is used, then the system is simple to implement, but the location accuracy is insufficient (50-300 meters)
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the positioning function by using multiple independent receivers distributed throughout the volume, each performing simple signal detection and phase measurement. This distributes the measurement task across multiple simple units rather than requiring a single complex positioning system, thereby improving accuracy through spatial distribution while keeping individual receiver complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase difference measurements as an intermediary parameter to bridge the gap between simple signal detection and accurate position determination. By measuring phase differences at multiple receivers and using these as intermediate calculations, the system achieves high location accuracy without requiring complex timing circuits or sophisticated infrastructure at each receiver node.
2Measurement precision
If high accuracy indoor positioning is achieved through existing technologies, then location precision improves, but costs and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receivers are designed as simple, inexpensive units that detect signals and measure phase differences without requiring complex timing circuits or expensive infrastructure. Each receiver performs a basic function (signal detection and phase measurement) that can be implemented with simple electronics, making the system cost-effective for widespread deployment while achieving high indoor positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the wireless electronic device's own transmitted signal as the reference for phase difference measurements at the receivers. The device serves itself by providing the signal source, eliminating the need for external reference signals or complex synchronization infrastructure, thereby reducing deployment costs and simplifying implementation.
3Measurement precision
If phase difference array with multiple receivers is used, then location accuracy enhances to centimeter range, but the number of receivers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional positioning (common in traditional systems) to three-dimensional position determination by distributing receivers throughout a volumetric space. This spatial dimensionality change allows centimeter-level accuracy to be achieved with a moderate number of receivers, as the three-dimensional geometry provides additional constraints for precise location calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses phase difference measurements from multiple receivers, where the combined partial measurements from each receiver contribute to the overall position determination. By aggregating phase difference data from multiple receivers, the system achieves high accuracy through cumulative measurement rather than requiring any single receiver to be overly complex or numerous receivers to be deployed.
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 significantly enhances location accuracy to centimeter range, reducing costs and complexity, enabling more precise and efficient indoor positioning and expanding the potential applications of location-based services.
Implementation Method 1
A method and apparatus using a phase difference array with multiple independent receivers to calculate the position of a wireless electronic device by measuring phase differences between signals detected at spatially independent positions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a position of a wireless electronic device within a volume includes detecting a signal transmitted by the wireless device during two-way communication to and from a first known position within the volume. The method further includes detecting the signal from at least three additional known positions within the volume, where the at least three additional known positions are spatially independent of each other. The method further includes determining a phase difference between the signal detected at the first position and the signal detected at each of the at least three additional positions, determining the position of the wireless electronic device using the phase differences, and at least one of displaying and storing the position of the wireless electronic device.