Range Localization System Using Master Station Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS systems face limitations in accurately determining the location of an object due to sensitivity to clock errors and the need for expensive, highly accurate clocks, as well as the requirement for multiple satellites and large distances to measure temporal differences in signal arrival times.
Innovation Solution
A range localization system using a plurality of receivers and a master station to generate reference and transmission signals, allowing for the determination of the transmitter's location by comparing received signals to the reference signals and resolving spheres of range to accurately pinpoint the transmitter's position, even with as few as three receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS systems use multiple satellites and measure temporal differences in signal arrival times, then location determination is achieved, but the system becomes sensitive to clock errors requiring expensive highly accurate clocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master station as an intermediary that generates reference signals and provides centralized time synchronization to all receivers. This mediator eliminates the need for each receiver to have highly accurate independent clocks, as the master station's reference signal serves as the common time reference for all location calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the time synchronization function into a centralized master station that serves all receivers. Instead of each receiver maintaining its own accurate clock independently, the system merges the time reference function into a single centralized source, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If GPS systems require multiple satellites to determine location, then accurate positioning is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master station performs multiple functions: it generates transmission signals for satellites, provides reference signals to receivers, and enables time synchronization across the entire system. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Area of stationary object
If radio waves travel at the speed of light to enable long-distance positioning, then global coverage is achieved, but the temporal differences in signal arrival times become very small and difficult to measure accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The master station performs preliminary time synchronization by providing reference signals to all receivers before the actual location measurement takes place. This preliminary action ensures that all receivers are already synchronized to the same time reference, eliminating timing errors that would otherwise accumulate over long distances.
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 method enables precise location determination with improved accuracy and reduced reliance on expensive clocks, allowing for effective navigation and positioning in various applications, including medical and industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
Radio waves travel at substantially the speed of light
Implementation Method 2
measuring the elapsed time from signal transmission to reception at a plurality of receivers
Data Source
AI summary
The location of a transmitter can be determined by accurately measuring the elapsed time that it takes for a signal to propagate from a transmission source to a plurality of disparate receivers of a known location. By comparing the received transmitted signal to reference signal a range between each receiver and the transmitter can be determined. By intersecting the spheres defined by each range an accurate location of the transmitter can be obtained.