Radio Node Transit Time Measurement Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transit time measurement in radio networks are not efficiently integrated into existing standards, requiring additional resources and complexity, which hinders their adoption in standard-compliant systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and circuit for transit time measurement between nodes in a radio network, where a frame is transmitted with acknowledgment, using a time counter to determine the transit time by establishing key points in time and calculating the time difference, with a predetermined constant time interval, allowing for accurate distance determination without additional hardware resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transit time measurement is implemented in radio networks using existing methods, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing radio network components serve dual purposes: regular data transmission and transit time measurement. The frame transmission mechanism is used both for data communication and for measuring distance by timestamping transmission and reception events, eliminating the need for dedicated measurement hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational signals (data frames and acknowledgments) to perform measurement functions. Nodes measure transit time using their existing transmission and reception timing information, without requiring external measurement equipment or additional signaling protocols
2Measurement precision
If additional measurement resources are allocated for transit time measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Existing power-consuming components (transmitters, receivers, processors) are made to perform both data communication and measurement functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for additional powered measurement equipment
Solution Approach 2:
Measurement occurs continuously as part of normal data transmission operations. The timing information is captured during regular frame exchanges without interrupting or adding to the operational cycle, ensuring measurement happens during already-active periods when components are powered
3Reliability
If dedicated measurement protocols are implemented, then measurement reliability improves, but integration difficulty with existing standards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is integrated into the existing IEEE 802.15.4 data link layer operations. Standard MAC frames and acknowledgments carry the measurement information, allowing implementation without creating new protocol layers or message types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines measurement functionality with existing data transmission and acknowledgment protocols. The same frame structures and timing mechanisms used for data communication are simultaneously used for transit time measurement, merging two functions into one unified process
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit of a node in a radio network and method for transit time measurement between a first node and a second node of a radio network is provided. A frame is transmitted by the first node, wherein the frame requires an acknowledgment of reception by the second node. A first point in time of the transmission of the frame is established by the first node by a time counter. The frame is received by the second node at a second point in time. The acknowledgment is transmitted by the second node to the first node at a third point in time, wherein the third point in time depends on the second point in time by a predetermined time interval between the second point in time and the third point in time. A fourth point in time is established by the first node by the time counter when the acknowledgment is received. The transit time or the change in transit time is determined from the first point in time established by the time counter and from the established fourth point in time and from the predetermined time interval.