Positioning Sensor Direction Estimation Without Phase Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning technologies require multiple antennas and precise phase information to estimate the direction of a moving object, leading to increased hardware complexity and cost, as well as difficulties in acquiring phase synchronization between transmitter and receiver.
Innovation Solution
A positioning sensor system with m receiving antennas and n variable loads connected to a feeder circuit, where a processor estimates the incoming direction of a radio signal without acquiring phase information from the transmitter side, using a controller to set impedance values and calculate signal strength values to determine the complex propagation channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple antennas and phase information acquisition are used to estimate direction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the requirement for phase information acquisition from the direction estimation process. By using only signal strength values from multiple receiving antennas without needing phase synchronization, the system removes the complex phase measurement hardware and processing requirements while maintaining direction estimation capability through alternative signal characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and complex phase synchronization hardware with simpler, cheaper signal strength measurement components. The system uses basic receiving antennas and signal strength detectors instead of precision phase measurement equipment, achieving direction estimation with lower-cost, less complex hardware that does not require stringent synchronization
2Measurement precision
If phase synchronization between transmitter and receiver is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the phase synchronization requirement from the system operation. By basing direction estimation solely on signal strength comparisons from multiple antennas rather than phase differences, the system eliminates the operational complexity of maintaining and verifying phase synchronization between transmitter and receiver
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs direction estimation using inherently available signal strength information that does not require external synchronization control. The receiving antennas naturally capture signal strength data that can be processed independently without needing coordinated timing or phase reference from the transmitter side
3Measurement precision
If multiple receivers are used to acquire phase information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the direction estimation function into a single receiver that processes signals from multiple receiving antennas. Instead of using multiple receivers to capture phase information, one receiver analyzes signal strength values from all antennas, merging the detection functions and reducing hardware count while maintaining estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The single receiver is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving signals from multiple antennas, measuring signal strength values, and performing direction estimation. This multi-functional receiver replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized receivers, simplifying the overall system architecture
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 reduces hardware complexity and cost by eliminating the need for phase synchronization and multiple receivers, allowing for accurate direction estimation using a simpler hardware configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver receives via the receiving antennas and the feeder circuit a first signal responsive to a signal that a transmitter has transmitted
Implementation Method 2
a controller sets an impedance value for each variable load
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning sensor includes m receiving antennas connected to a feeder circuit and n variable loads, and a receiver that receives a first signal via the m receiving antennas. The positioning sensor further includes a memory that stores a first signal strength value of a first signal that the receiver receives when a variable load varies in value, and a processor that calculates a second signal strength value from a complex propagation channel, searches for a complex propagation channel candidate that has a minimum difference between a first signal strength and a second signal strength, determines the complex propagation channel candidate to be a complex propagation channel when the receiver receives the first signal, and estimates an incoming direction of the first signal from the determined complex propagation channel.