High-Resolution Radio Distance Measurement Without Phase Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining distances using radio signals require phase measurements, which can be complex and not always feasible, especially when applying high-resolution time-of-flight measurements.
Innovation Solution
Construct complex numbers from propagation time and amplitude or power measurements at multiple frequencies, eliminating the need for phase measurements by calculating phase values or arguments of complex numbers based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase measurements are used to determine distance with high accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the complex measurement and calculation processes required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces phase measurement methods with time-of-flight measurement methods. Instead of measuring signal phase at multiple frequencies and performing complex phase unwrapping calculations, the system directly measures the time it takes for a signal to propagate between devices. This substitution of measurement methodology simplifies the overall system while maintaining high distance measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from phase to time-of-flight. By measuring propagation time directly rather than phase, the system avoids the complexities of phase-based distance determination while achieving comparable or superior precision. The time measurement is then converted to distance using the known speed of light.
2Measurement precision
If phase measurements are required for high-resolution distance determination, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to the inability to perform measurements in unidirectional scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional bidirectional phase measurement approach by using unidirectional time-of-flight measurements. Instead of requiring both devices to actively participate in phase measurement exchanges, one device transmits a signal and the other measures the arrival time, enabling distance determination in unidirectional scenarios where phase measurement would fail.
3Measurement precision
If multiple frequencies are used in time-of-flight measurements, then measurement precision is improved through better signal analysis, but device complexity increases due to frequency switching and synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary time-of-flight measurements at multiple frequencies to determine propagation time characteristics before final distance calculation. By performing ToF measurements across different frequencies and analyzing the results, the system achieves better precision while avoiding the continuous frequency switching complexity, as frequency changes are performed in controlled measurement phases rather than continuously.
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
Enables accurate distance determination using time-of-flight measurements without requiring phase measurements, simplifying the calculation process and expanding applicability to unidirectional scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first radio signal with a plurality of different frequencies is sent from a first object to a second object and received at the second object
Implementation Method 2
method for determining a distance using a high-resolution method based on signal propagation time measurements
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a distance using a high-resolution method based on signal propagation time measurements. The process of determining distances from wireless signals with a high degree of precision using mathematical methods is known, for example using MUSIC or CAPON or methods such as those from EP 3 564 707, EP 3 502 736 A1, or EP 2 212 705. These methods, however, normally require phase measurements. The aim of the invention is to allow such methods to be used even purely with propagation time measurements. This is achieved in that complex numbers are constructed from propagation time measurements and amplitude measurements or power measurements, said complex numbers allowing the use of known methods.