Synchronous NR Terminal Ranging With Shared Time References
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current local area communication technologies like WiFi, UWB, and Bluetooth support ranging methods based on transmission time, but these systems are asynchronous, while the new radio (NR) system is synchronous, lacking a method to determine distance between terminal devices.
Innovation Solution
A ranging method for a synchronization system involving a first terminal device sending a ranging signal and determining a time difference, combined with a time difference at the second terminal device, to calculate the distance between them, utilizing synchronization characteristics of the NR system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If asynchronous ranging methods (SS-TWR, DS-TWR) are used in local area communication technologies, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but system complexity and energy consumption increase due to multiple time difference measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of time synchronization from asynchronous to synchronous operation. In synchronous systems, all terminal devices share a common time reference, which fundamentally simplifies the ranging calculation from multiple time difference measurements to a single time difference measurement, reducing complexity while maintaining distance measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and utilizes the synchronization characteristic inherent in NR systems, separating the time synchronization function from the ranging function. By leveraging the existing synchronous time reference in NR, the patent eliminates the need for complex asynchronous ranging protocols, achieving distance measurement with simplified procedures
2Measurement precision
If asynchronous ranging methods are used in WiFi, UWB, and Bluetooth, then distance measurement is enabled, but energy consumption increases due to complex measurement procedures
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from asynchronous to synchronous operation mode, the patent reduces the number of required measurements and calculations. The synchronous time reference allows terminal devices to compute distance using simpler formulas, directly reducing processing energy consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the existing synchronization infrastructure already present in NR systems, allowing terminal devices to use the same time reference for both communication and ranging purposes. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate synchronization procedures, reducing overall energy consumption
3Device complexity
If no ranging method is implemented in synchronous NR systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but distance measurement functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the synchronous time reference serve dual purposes: both for communication synchronization and for ranging measurements. This multi-functionality allows the NR system to maintain its inherent simplicity while gaining distance measurement capability, as no additional synchronization infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the synchronous time reference parameter already present in NR systems, transforming it from a communication-only function to a dual-purpose parameter that enables both synchronized communication and accurate ranging measurements, thereby adding functionality without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A ranging method in a synchronization system is provided. The ranging method is applied to a first terminal device and includes: sending a first ranging signal to a second terminal device; and determining a first time difference, the first time difference is a time difference between a moment when the first terminal device sends the first ranging signal and a first terminal timing, the first time difference is configured to determine a distance between the first terminal device and the second terminal device in combination with a second time difference, and the second time difference is a time difference between a moment when the second terminal device receives the first ranging signal and a second terminal timing.