Transactional Difference Range Geolocation Without Clock Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geolocation systems using radio-frequency ranging face challenges in accurately determining and tracking the positions of multiple objects simultaneously due to the need for synchronized clocks and the growth of navigation errors over time, which can be unbounded if left uncorrected.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes an originator device, a transponder device, and an observer device, where the observer device calculates a transactional difference range by measuring the time difference of arrival and phase values of wireless signals exchanged between the originator and transponder devices, allowing for the estimation of its own position without requiring synchronized clocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If synchronized clocks are used to perform RTTOF measurements for geolocation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock synchronization requirement from the geolocation system by having the transponder device perform local calculations using its own unsynchronized clock. The transponder calculates the time difference between receiving the request signal and transmitting the reply signal, eliminating the need for synchronized clocks between originator and transponder while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The transponder device acts as an intermediary that performs calculations locally using its own clock. It measures the round-trip time, calculates the time of flight, and determines its position relative to the originator, thereby mediating the geolocation process without requiring the originator and transponder to have synchronized clocks.
2Productivity
If multiple RTTOF measurements are coordinated to track multiple objects, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Each transponder device independently performs calculations using its own clock and the signals it receives. The transponder self-determines its position by calculating the time of flight from the originator's signal and comparing it with its own transmission timing, eliminating the need for complex centralized coordination of multiple measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The geolocation system is segmented into independent originator and transponder devices, each performing localized functions. The originator transmits signals while transponders independently process these signals and perform calculations, allowing multiple objects to be tracked simultaneously without requiring complex inter-coordination between all devices.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of real-time position estimation for objects by correcting navigation errors and enabling the simultaneous tracking of multiple objects with reduced computational complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
RF ranging systems calculate the distance between two objects based in part on the time a radio signal propagates between those objects
Implementation Method 2
Radio-frequency (RF) ranging technology provides distance and relative position between objects without the need to take mechanical measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A geolocation system includes an originator device configured to transmit a first wireless signal to a transponder device. The transponder device is configured to transmit a second wireless signal to the originator device. The system includes at least one observer device configured to receive the first wireless signal from the originator device and receive the second wireless signal from the transponder device. The system also includes a first processor configured to calculate a transactional difference range at the at least one observer device based on the first wireless signal received at the observer device and the second wireless signal received at the observer device. A corrected transactional difference range value may be calculated by subtracting a time-of-flight of the first wireless signal from the originator device to the transponder device from the transactional difference range. A method of performing geolocation using a transactional difference range is also disclosed.