Radiolocation Verification Using Pattern-Tracked Reference Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiolocation systems are not reliable enough for safety-critical applications due to common cause errors and require additional verification methods, which can be cumbersome and increase diagnostic effort.
Innovation Solution
A radiolocation system with a test device that continuously verifies the accuracy of position measurements by detecting a pattern in a second defined property, ensuring the first defined property is confirmed only when the pattern is correctly recorded, thereby making the system dynamically and deterministically testable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional position measuring system based on a different principle is used to verify the radio location system's measurements, then the reliability of position determination is improved, but the device complexity and diagnostic effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the verification function with the existing radio location system by using the same radio waves and signal processing infrastructure. The test device integrates multiple functions (position determination, verification, pattern generation) into a unified system rather than adding completely separate measurement systems, thereby improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio location system performs self-verification by using its own infrastructure to measure and compare position data. The test device utilizes the system's existing radio waves and signal processing capabilities to independently verify measurements, eliminating the need for external verification systems and reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If two independent position measuring systems are used to verify position, then the reliability is improved, but it becomes difficult to identify which system is malfunctioning when measurements differ
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the test device continuously monitors and compares position measurements from different methods. When discrepancies are detected, the system provides feedback about the inconsistency, enabling automatic detection of malfunctions. The system can identify which measurement method deviates from the expected pattern, facilitating quick diagnosis of failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The test device performs preliminary verification of position measurements by comparing them against expected patterns before final position determination is made. This preliminary check allows the system to detect and flag potential malfunctions early, preventing unreliable data from being used for critical decisions and making it easier to identify which system component is failing.
3Reliability
If multiple anchor points are used for verification, then the reliability of position determination is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to common-cause errors from environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the verification process into multiple independent measurement methods rather than relying on multiple anchor points subject to the same environmental conditions. By using different radio location methods (e.g., time of arrival, angle of arrival, signal strength) that are less susceptible to common environmental errors, the system achieves reliability while avoiding common-cause failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite approach by combining multiple different measurement principles and signal processing methods within the verification system. This composite methodology creates a more robust verification mechanism that is resilient to specific environmental conditions affecting any single measurement type, thereby reducing vulnerability to common-cause errors.
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
The system ensures continuous, dynamic, and deterministic testing of the radiolocation system, enhancing reliability and reducing diagnostic effort by confirming measurements only when the expected pattern is detected, thus improving safety in critical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a radio location system in which a position of a wirelessly communicating radio unit in a reference system is determined based on properties of received radio waves or signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Radio tracking system (10) comprising a first radio unit (12), a second radio unit (14), a reference radio unit (16), and a test device (26) that can be coupled to the radio tracking system (10). The radio tracking system (10) is configured to determine a first defined property (20), in particular position or orientation, between the first radio unit (12) and the second radio unit (14) by means of radio tracking, and to determine a second defined property (22, 22`) between the first radio unit (12) and the reference radio unit (16) by means of radio tracking. The second defined property (22, 22`) is continuously changeable according to a pattern (24) known to the test device (26), the test device (26) being configured to generate confirmation of the first defined property (20) only when the radio tracking system (10) detects the second defined property (22, 22`) changing according to the pattern (24).