Positioning via Propagation Time Difference Without Reference Clocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems based on electromagnetic radiation require complex arrangements, continuous time calibration, and reference clocks, making them cumbersome and power-intensive, and often necessitate external calculation devices and identification signals.
Innovation Solution
A positioning method that measures propagation time differences of electromagnetic pulses between base stations and detectors, eliminating the need for reference clocks and external calculation devices, using fixed position information of base stations as references, and allowing for operation in any frequency band, with synchronized transmission cycles and multiple base stations for increased reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reference clocks and continuous time calibration are used for positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the reference clock and continuous time calibration mechanisms from the positioning system. Instead of using complex time-synchronized electromagnetic signals, the system uses simple pulse transmission where the detector measures propagation time differences directly without requiring external time references or calibration infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex reference clocks and time calibration systems with simple, disposable-like pulse transmissions. Each pulse carries positioning information independently, and the system uses multiple simple pulses rather than maintaining complex continuous time-synchronized signals requiring expensive infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If reference clocks and continuous time calibration are used for positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the power-intensive reference clock and continuous time calibration mechanisms from the system. The detector operates by measuring propagation time differences of simple pulses without requiring continuous time-synchronized signal transmission, dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous time-synchronized signal transmission that consumes constant power, the patent uses periodic pulse transmissions. The base stations transmit simple pulses at intervals, and the detector measures propagation time differences during these periodic events, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If external calculation devices and identification signals are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calculation function into the detector itself. The detector receives simple pulses from multiple base stations, measures propagation time differences, and calculates its own position using stored base station location information. This eliminates the need for external calculation devices and complex identification signals, simplifying the overall system while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector performs self-positioning by independently measuring propagation time differences and calculating its own location. The system is self-sufficient, requiring no external calculation devices or centralized positioning infrastructure. Each detector autonomously determines its position using simple pulses and stored base station location data.
4Device complexity
If simple electromagnetic pulses without identifiers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the base station locations as intermediary reference points. Instead of encoding identification information in complex signals, the system uses the known physical locations of base stations as mediators. The detector measures propagation time differences from multiple base stations and uses these time differences combined with known base station positions to calculate its location, achieving accurate positioning with simple pulse signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using signal-based identification (one dimension) to using spatial-temporal relationships (multiple dimensions). By measuring propagation time differences from multiple base stations at known locations, the system uses the additional dimension of space and time to identify and locate the detector, achieving accurate positioning without complex identification signals.
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 simplifies positioning by eliminating the need for reference clocks and external calculation, reduces power consumption, and enhances reliability and accuracy, enabling efficient indoor and outdoor positioning in 1, 2, or 3 dimensions without the need for identifiers or separate external calculation devices.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the propagation time difference of the controlled electromagnetic pulses and the arrival signals of the controlled base station during a measurement cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning method, as well as the system of base stations (T1,T2,T3) and detector (I) is based on measuring the propagation time difference of externally controlled electromagnetic pulses (F1,F2,F3) and the arrival signals of the controlled base station during a measurement cycle (t1+t2). In one embodiment, a reference clock is not required for measuring propagation time differences, but instead, accurate fixed distances between base stations can be used as a reference. System calibration is rarely performed. It checks the mutual locations of base stations. This may be partially automated. The positioning system does not require any sensors.