Synthetic Antenna Array Positioning for Portable Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GNSS systems face limitations such as signal obstruction, inadequate coverage, and high costs due to the need for GPS receivers, which are bulky and energy-intensive, and existing alternative methods like physical and virtual antenna arrays are also unsuitable for portable devices due to size and calibration constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method using a synthetic antenna array formed by randomly moving a single antenna element, processing signal data samples at different positions to determine the geographic location without relying on signal transit time, allowing for a space-efficient and passive positioning solution that works with narrowband signals and does not require synchronization with transmitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a GPS receiver is used for positioning, then autonomous geo-spatial positioning with global coverage is achieved, but the device becomes more costly, larger, and more energy-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the GPS receiver by using a single antenna element that moves through known positions. Instead of requiring a complex GPS receiver with multiple antennas, the system uses a single antenna that is deliberately moved to different locations, with its position tracked by a motion detector. This extracted approach eliminates the need for expensive GPS hardware while maintaining positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a synthetic antenna array by copying the function of multiple fixed antennas through a single moving antenna. The single antenna element at different positions replicates the signal reception pattern that would require multiple simultaneous antennas, thereby achieving the same positioning functionality with much simpler hardware.
2Measurement precision
If a physical antenna array is used for directional estimation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the antenna array becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static physical antenna array into a dynamic system where a single antenna element is moved through a sequence of known positions. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve the spatial sampling of a large physical array using a small antenna that changes position over time, thereby maintaining directional estimation accuracy while reducing the physical size of the antenna component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a spatial arrangement of multiple antennas in three-dimensional space to a temporal sequence of a single antenna at different positions. Instead of having multiple antennas simultaneously occupying space, the system uses one antenna that occupies different positions at different times, effectively moving the problem from the spatial domain to the temporal domain.
3Measurement precision
If a physical antenna array is used for directional estimation, then positioning capability is achieved, but precise calibration is required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system self-calibrating by using a motion detector to automatically track the position of the single antenna element as it moves through known positions. The system uses its own movement, captured by the motion detector, to provide the positional information needed for processing, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex calibration procedures.
4Device complexity
If virtual antenna arrays are used to avoid calibration, then calibration complexity is reduced, but the system becomes bulky due to positioning devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from bulky robotic positioning devices by using a simple motion detector that tracks the movement of a single antenna element. Instead of requiring complex robotic systems to position antennas, the system uses a lightweight approach where the antenna is moved manually or by simple mechanisms, and the motion detector captures the position changes, thereby eliminating the need for large robotic positioning equipment.
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
Enables accurate geographic location determination in portable devices without the need for GPS receivers, using a simple and space-efficient antenna, and functioning with arbitrary signals, independent of signal bandwidth, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional GNSS systems.
Implementation Method 1
a signal receiving unit configured to receive a signal from at least one remote transmitter
Implementation Method 2
processing signal data samples at different positions to determine the geographic location without relying on signal transit time
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A self-positioning portable electronic device (100), e.g. a mobile terminal, comprises a signal receiving unit (106, 108) for receiving a signal from one or more remote transmitters (200), and a local positioning unit (110), e.g. an IMU, for determining a local position of the device (100). The signal receiving unit (106, 108) may comprise a single antenna element (108). The device (100) operates to obtain a plurality of data samples from the signal at different time points during a measurement period with movement of the portable electronic device (100) along an arbitrary trajectory (140), associate each data sample with a local position obtained from the local positioning unit (100) so as to form a synthetic antenna array, obtain an array response of the synthetic antenna array, and identify the geographic location of the portable electronic device (100), by processing the synthetic antenna array as a function of the array response and using knowledge about the geographic location of the transmitter(s) (200). The use of the array response allows the geographic location to be identified independently of signal transit time between the transmitter(s) (200) and the device (100).