Selective Two-Way Antenna Ranging Without Phase Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio distance measurement methods, particularly in terrestrial systems, face challenges in achieving high accuracy without requiring two-way transmissions, which are resource-intensive and unsuitable for mobile units, and are affected by obstacles and integer ambiguity issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving self-measurements, alternating two-way and one-way transmissions at different time intervals, and using clock rate and Doppler frequency information to determine distances between antennas, eliminating the need for continuous two-way communication and reducing resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-way transmissions are used to measure distances, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission process into different types (one-way transmissions and two-way transmissions) and applies them selectively to different antenna pairs based on availability and requirements. Not all antenna pairs need to perform full two-way measurements simultaneously, allowing the system to divide the measurement task into manageable segments that reduce overall complexity while maintaining precision where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial two-way transmissions only to selected antenna pairs rather than requiring all antenna pairs to perform complete two-way measurements. This partial action approach allows the system to achieve sufficient measurement precision for positioning while reducing the total resource consumption and complexity by omitting unnecessary measurements from antenna pairs where one-way transmissions are adequate.
2Measurement precision
If two-way transmissions are performed for all links, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and energy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by identifying which antenna pairs can use one-way transmissions versus two-way transmissions. By segmenting the set of all antenna pairs into two subsets based on their measurement requirements and availability, the system can perform measurements in parallel and reduce total measurement time while maintaining precision for the critical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial two-way transmissions only where necessary and uses one-way transmissions for antenna pairs where sufficient precision can be achieved without full two-way measurements. This selective approach reduces the total time required for all measurements while maintaining adequate precision for positioning purposes.
3Measurement precision
If full measurement data is transmitted frequently, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information and communication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary measurement data from the full set of possible measurements. By determining which antenna pairs require two-way measurements and which can use one-way measurements, the system extracts and transmits only the essential phase information needed for positioning, omitting redundant data that would increase communication overhead without improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transmits measurement data selectively based on the measurement type required for each antenna pair. One-way transmission data is transmitted for antenna pairs where it suffices, while two-way transmission data is transmitted only when needed for higher precision. This partial data transmission approach reduces overall information loss and communication overhead while maintaining positioning accuracy.
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
Accurately determines distances with high precision, down to 0.1 mm, using less resources and without requiring phase synchronization, suitable for both fixed and mobile units, and adaptable to various environments.
Implementation Method 1
Methods involving measurement of phases of received signals are used when high positioning accuracy is needed
Implementation Method 2
The most accurate radio distance measurements are still typically based on carrier phase techniques
Implementation Method 3
obtaining information regarding clock rates and Doppler frequencies for the first plurality of pairs of antennas
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining at least one distance between pairs of antennas, the method including performing self-measurements and first two-way transmissions at first time intervals, first one-way transmissions at second time intervals, second two-way transmissions at third time intervals, and second one-way transmissions at fourth time intervals. The method also includes determining phase information based on the performed transmissions and determining distance information regarding the at least one distance.