Spectral Compression Beacon Positioning in Obstructed Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning technologies face challenges in obstructed environments due to weak satellite signals, and existing solutions like RTLS are costly and complex, with limited options for combined local and wide-area applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a beacon-based local area location system that combines RF signals with spectral compression to provide accurate positioning, leveraging both local beacons and GNSS satellites, allowing for cost-effective and flexible deployment in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GNSS satellite-based navigation systems are used for positioning, then positioning service is provided in wide area unobstructed environments, but signal strength becomes very weak making it difficult to operate in obstructed environments like indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into two independent parts: a GNSS-based wide area positioning system for unobstructed environments and a local beacon-based positioning system for obstructed environments. Each system operates independently with its own reference points and signal infrastructure, allowing the system to select the appropriate subsystem based on environmental conditions without requiring signal penetration through obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
Local beacons act as intermediary reference points that mediate between the GNSS satellite system and the receiver in obstructed environments. These beacons receive GNSS signals and re-transmit them with enhanced strength, serving as intermediate signal relays that enable positioning in areas where direct GNSS satellite signals are too weak or unavailable.
2Measurement precision
If RTLS systems with TDOA and multiple readers are used for positioning in obstructed environments, then positioning accuracy to within a few meters is achieved, but system cost and complexity become very expensive and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs inexpensive local beacons that can be easily deployed and removed, replacing the need for expensive RTLS infrastructure. These beacons are simple signal transmitters that can be placed at known locations without requiring complex installation, making the system cost-effective while maintaining positioning accuracy through the use of multiple inexpensive reference points rather than expensive specialized equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If combined RTLS and GNSS systems are used to satisfy both local area obstructed and wide area unobstructed positioning requirements, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but systems become largely incompatible and very expensive to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges GNSS and local beacon positioning capabilities into a unified architecture where a single receiver can process signals from both satellite-based and local beacon-based systems. The receiver integrates both reference frames and coordinate systems, allowing seamless switching and combined operation without requiring separate incompatible systems, thereby reducing integration complexity while maintaining comprehensive environmental coverage.
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 solution offers high accuracy, simplicity, and low cost for positioning in obstructed environments, enabling seamless transition between local and wide-area applications without the need for time and frequency synchronization, making it suitable for diverse deployment scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the interceptor is configured to process the received emissions using spectral compression to produce a set of observables suitable for physical state estimation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for providing location determination in a configured environment in which Global Navigation Satellite System Signals may not be available. In this regard, local beacon systems generate spread spectrum CDMA signals that are received by spectral compression units that derive physically meaningful observations without a requirement for correlation of the intercepted energy by means of the known spreading codes. The invention can coexist with communication assets already in place, and the design allows for self calibration, which simplifies installation and usage. The invention has utility in applications in which GNSS signals are unavailable or limited, for example, in warehouse inventory management, in search and rescue operations and in asset tracking in indoor environments.