Satellite Positioning via Replica Signal Delay Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for satellite-supported position determining in areas with insufficient satellite signal quality, such as tunnels, require resource-intensive signal generation and can result in imprecise position determining due to interference and abrupt changes in signal reception.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses an omnidirectional reference antenna to receive satellite signals, extract repeating patterns and position data, and generate replica signals for transmitting antennas in the coverage area. The replica signals are synchronized with the satellite signals by adjusting the delay time, ensuring seamless transition and accurate position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If coverage signals are generated by a generator and transmitted by transmitting antennas in the coverage area, then satellite signal coverage is extended to low-reception areas, but the coverage signals deviate from actual satellite signals and are perceived as interference, requiring resource-intensive signal generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses replica signals that copy the characteristics of actual satellite signals (repeating signal patterns, satellite position data) to generate coverage signals. These replica signals are created by receiving satellite signals outside the coverage area and generating replica signals that match the expected satellite signal characteristics at different positions within the coverage area, thereby avoiding interference while maintaining coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the delay time parameter of the replica signals to synchronize them with the actual satellite signals. By calculating the difference in delay time between the reference antenna and the transmitting antennas, and adjusting the replica signal delay accordingly, the system ensures that the coverage signals are temporally aligned with actual satellite signals, reducing interference and improving positioning accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If directional antennas are used to receive satellite signals with beamforming alignment, then signal reception quality is improved, but the control system becomes cost-intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of directional antenna alignment by using a reference antenna positioned at a known location. Instead of controlling multiple directional antennas to track satellites, the system uses a single reference antenna to receive satellite signals and calculates the expected signal characteristics at different positions. This eliminates the complex beamforming control system while maintaining signal reception quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference antenna as an intermediary element that simplifies the system. The reference antenna receives satellite signals and provides the basis for generating replica signals. This intermediary approach replaces the need for complex directional antenna alignment and control systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If directional antennas are aligned to a single satellite, then interference from surrounding signals is reduced, but multipath propagation and other satellite signals still interfere with the received signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates replica signals that copy the characteristics of actual satellite signals, including the repeating signal patterns and satellite position data. These replica signals are designed to match the expected satellite signal characteristics at different positions, allowing the system to distinguish between actual satellite signals and replica signals, thereby reducing interference while maintaining signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the reference antenna to adjust and synchronize the replica signals. By continuously monitoring the actual satellite signals at the reference antenna and comparing them with the generated replica signals, the system can detect and correct interference, maintaining signal quality while reducing the impact of multipath propagation and surrounding satellite signals.
4Area of stationary object
If the locator device switches from satellite signals to generated coverage signals at the transition area, then coverage is extended, but abrupt changeover causes imprecise position determining results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of the delay time differences between the reference antenna and the transmitting antennas before the locator device actually transitions to using coverage signals. By pre-calculating and applying the correct delay time adjustments, the system ensures that the replica signals are already synchronized with the actual satellite signals when the transition occurs, eliminating abrupt changes and maintaining positioning accuracy at the transition area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the delay time parameter of the replica signals based on the position of the locator device. As the device moves from the strong reception area into the coverage area, the system continuously updates the delay time parameter to maintain synchronization between the replica signals and actual satellite signals. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures smooth transition and maintains positioning accuracy throughout the transition area.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for the satellite-supported position determining of a locator device (1) in a coverage area (2) with an insufficient-quality satellite signal (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of a satellite (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), the satellite signal (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) is received outside the coverage area (2) by an omnidirectional reference antenna (3), and a repeating signal pattern and the satellite position data are extracted from the satellite signal (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d). Replica signals (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) are generated for multiple transmitter antennas (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) in the coverage area (2). The difference between the delay time between a predefined target position in the transmission region (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) of the respective transmitter antenna (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) and the satellite (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) and the delay time between the reference antenna (3) and the satellite (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) is determined as a shift parameter Δt, and the replica signal (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) is generated from the satellite position data and the signal pattern that has been temporally shifted by the shift parameter Δt. The satellite signal (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) and the replica signal (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) correspond in the periphery of the coverage area (2) to the extent that they are not distinguished by the locator device (1), and the difference of the shift parameters Δt for replica signals (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) of adjacent transmission regions (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) is smaller than half the duration of the signal pattern.