Terminal Positioning via Satellite Timing Differences Without GNSS
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite communication systems face challenges in positioning terminal devices without relying on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capabilities, particularly for devices that do not support GNSS.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a network device receiving time differences and intervals of reference signals from satellites to determine the location of terminal devices, utilizing satellite and ground base station coordinates, and accounting for transmission delays to calculate location information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS capability is used for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring GNSS support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network device as an intermediary that performs positioning calculations using reference signals from satellites. Instead of requiring the terminal device to have GNSS capability, the network device receives timing information from the terminal and calculates positioning data using network-side resources, including coordinates of satellite and ground base station, and transmission delays. This mediator approach transfers the complex positioning computation from the terminal to the network device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/GNSS-based positioning system with a communication-based timing difference system. Instead of using GNSS receivers and satellite signals for direct positioning, the system uses reference signals transmitted through satellite communication channels, measures timing differences at the terminal, and calculates position based on communication parameters and network device computations.
2Area of stationary object
If satellite communication is used to expand coverage, then coverage area is improved, but positioning accuracy without GNSS deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-obtaining and storing necessary positioning parameters before actual positioning is needed. These include coordinates of the satellite at different times, coordinates of ground base stations, and transmission delays. The network device prepares these reference data in advance so that when positioning is required, it can quickly calculate position using the pre-stored information and received timing differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the terminal device measures timing differences of reference signals and feeds this information back to the network device. The network device then uses this feedback to calculate positioning data and can provide location information to the terminal or network, creating a closed-loop positioning system that adapts to actual signal conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reference signals are sent from satellite to terminal, then positioning capability is improved for non-GNSS devices, but transmission time and processing delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by having the satellite send reference signals at regular intervals. The network device receives these periodic signals, measures timing differences, and uses the periodic nature to establish consistent reference data. This periodic transmission allows the system to accumulate positioning information over time while maintaining predictable and manageable transmission patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of this disclosure discloses a positioning method. The method includes: A satellite sends a first reference signal and a second reference signal to a terminal device, and a network device obtains a receiving time difference between the terminal device receiving the first reference signal and the second reference signal. The network device determines location information of the terminal device based on location information of the satellite when the satellite sends the first reference signal, location information of the satellite when the satellite sends the second reference signal, a sending time interval between the satellite sending the first reference signal and the second reference signal, and the receiving time difference between the first reference signal and the second reference signal.