Positioning Apparatus Resolving Integer Ambiguity via Multi-Baseline Phase Differences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning methods using carrier phase measurements face challenges due to integer ambiguity, which leads to positioning errors, especially when the distance between transceivers is less than half of the carrier wavelength, affecting accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A positioning apparatus with at least three transceivers arranged in a line and a processor that calculates phase differences and integer ambiguities between transceiver pairs, determining asymptotes of hyperbolas to accurately calculate the position of an apparatus to be positioned, using conjugate multiplication of baseband demodulated signals and considering different transceiver pair distances relative to the carrier wavelength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If carrier phase measurement is used for positioning, then positioning capability is enabled, but integer ambiguity causes positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning problem into two parts: (1) obtaining a preliminary phase difference measurement, and (2) resolving the integer ambiguity to achieve accurate positioning. By dividing the transceiver array into multiple sub-arrays with different baseline distances, the system can segment the ambiguity resolution process across multiple measurements, ultimately determining the integer ambiguity value to eliminate positioning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of baseline distance by using transceiver pairs with different spacing configurations. By measuring phase differences at multiple baseline distances (including distances less than half the carrier wavelength), the system creates a set of equations that can be solved to determine the integer ambiguity, thereby resolving the measurement precision-reliability contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If transceiver distance is less than half of carrier wavelength, then positioning accuracy is improved, but integer ambiguity determination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements using transceiver pairs with small baseline distances (less than half the carrier wavelength) to obtain high-precision phase difference data. These preliminary measurements are then used as input for the integer ambiguity resolution process, allowing the system to benefit from both high precision measurements and accurate ambiguity determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the phase difference measurements from small-baseline transceiver pairs as an intermediary to determine the integer ambiguity. These high-precision intermediate measurements serve as a foundation for resolving the ambiguity, which then enables accurate positioning without being constrained by the baseline distance limitation.
3Reliability
If multiple transceiver pairs in intersecting lines are used, then positioning reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transceiver array multi-functional by arranging transceivers in intersecting lines that can serve multiple positioning purposes. The same physical transceiver array can perform positioning in different directions and under different geometric conditions, improving reliability without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the positioning capability from a single line to two-dimensional space by using intersecting lines of transceivers. This dimensional expansion allows the system to determine integer ambiguity and calculate positions more reliably by providing additional measurement geometries, thereby improving positioning reliability in a multi-dimensional manner.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a positioning apparatus including a communicator including at least three transceivers that are arranged in a first line; and a processor configured to calculate a first phase difference between reference signals received by a first transceiver pair arranged in the first line, a second phase difference between reference signals received by a second transceiver pair arranged in the first line, and a third phase difference between reference signals received by a third transceiver pair arranged in the first line, to determine an integer ambiguity of the second phase difference and an integer ambiguity of the third phase difference based on the first phase difference, and to calculate a position of an apparatus to be positioned based on the second phase difference, the integer ambiguity of the second phase difference, the third phase difference, and the integer ambiguity of the third phase difference.