Positioning Network Resilience via Alternate Reference Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning networks that rely on a reference device for synchronizing positioning signals are vulnerable to failure if the reference device ceases to transmit the reference signal, leading to loss of network synchronisation and accuracy of position solutions.
Innovation Solution
A positioning network architecture where a predetermined positioning-unit device monitors the reference signal, assesses its serviceability, and takes control of the network if the reference signal becomes unserviceable, allowing other devices to synchronize with the alternate reference device's signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the positioning network relies on a single reference device for synchronization, then the network structure is simple and easy to operate, but the network reliability deteriorates when the reference device fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designates a predetermined positioning-unit device as an alternate reference device before any failure occurs. This alternate device continuously monitors the reference signal and prepares to take control if the primary reference device fails, ensuring seamless failover without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic during failure events.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternate reference device acts as an intermediary between the primary reference device and the positioning-unit devices. When the primary reference device fails, the alternate device mediates the synchronization process by becoming the new source of reference signals, allowing the network to maintain synchronisation without directly involving the failed device.
2Reliability
If the positioning network uses a single reference device, then the device complexity is low, but the network resilience to failure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by designating an alternate reference device in advance. The alternate device pre-establishes its capability to monitor the reference signal and assume control, so that when failure occurs, the transition is immediate and does not require complex real-time analysis or reconfiguration protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the alternate reference device from a passive positioning-unit device to an active reference device when the primary reference device fails. This parameter change allows the alternate device to begin transmitting reference signals and maintaining synchronization, effectively adapting the network structure in response to failure without requiring complete redesign.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the reference device fails, then the network can continue operating with an alternate reference device, but the device complexity increases due to monitoring and failover mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The alternate reference device serves as an intermediary that continuously monitors the reference signal from the primary reference device. This monitoring function allows the network to detect failures early and initiate failover procedures, extending the duration of continuous operation by preventing complete network collapse when the primary reference device fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the alternate reference device's continuous monitoring of the reference signal. When the monitor determines that the reference signal is unserviceable, it triggers a feedback loop that initiates the failover process, allowing the alternate device to take control and maintain network operation. This feedback mechanism ensures continuous operation without requiring complex predictive analytics or external intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for improving the resilience of a network of positioning-unit devices to failure of the reference device that controls the network timebase via timing information in its signal. In certain embodiments a predetermined one of the positioning-unit devices is configured to monitor the reference signal, assess serviceability of that signal and take control of the network if it determines that signal is unserviceable. Continuity of network synchronisation is thereby maintained despite the reference signal being unserviceable. Preferably the predetermined positioning-unit device is configured to obtain information on the reference signal from at least one other positioning-unit device for assessing reference signal serviceability. If the reference device recovers from a failure it can re-enter the network by synchronising its signal to a signal from one of the positioning-unit devices, and may then negotiate with the predetermined positioning-unit device to resume control of the network.