Transmitting Unit Self-Calibration via Signal Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual calibration of radio wave transmitting units is time-consuming, costly, and unreliable, especially in adverse conditions, as it requires manual intervention and can lead to inaccuracies in navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising at least four transmitting units that automatically calibrate by emitting and receiving signals to determine relative positions and adjust transmission parameters, such as time parameters, to ensure coordinated operation, even after unit replacements or installations, without the need for manual calibration by service personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed by service personnel, then the transmitting units can be calibrated, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting unit performs automatic self-calibration by emitting test signals, measuring signal propagation times to surrounding units, calculating its own position based on these measurements, and comparing the calculated position with stored setpoint position data. This eliminates the need for manual calibration by service personnel while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prestores setpoint position data in the memory of each transmitting unit before operation. During self-calibration, the unit compares its calculated actual position against these pre-stored setpoint values, enabling rapid automated calibration without requiring manual intervention or reference materials.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed by service personnel, then the transmitting units can be calibrated, but maintenance costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic self-calibration capability allows transmitting units to calibrate themselves without requiring specialized service personnel, thereby eliminating labor costs and reducing overall maintenance expenses while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses signal propagation time measurements as an intermediary to establish positional relationships between transmitting units. By measuring the time it takes for signals to travel between units, the system automatically determines positions and performs calibration without requiring manual measurement tools or expert intervention.
3Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed by service personnel, then the transmitting units can be calibrated, but the navigation system reliability is reduced during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting unit performs self-calibration autonomously during system operation without requiring shutdown or removal from service. This maintains navigation system availability and reliability while ensuring calibration accuracy is maintained through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-calibration process can be performed continuously or periodically during normal operation, ensuring the navigation system remains operational and reliable at all times rather than being taken offline for manual calibration maintenance.
4Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed by service personnel, then the transmitting units can be calibrated, but the process is complicated under adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting unit automatically performs calibration measurements and calculations without requiring service personnel to physically access and operate the equipment in adverse weather conditions, thereby simplifying the calibration operation while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with automated electronic signal transmission and processing. The transmitting units exchange calibration signals and automatically compute positional relationships, eliminating the need for personnel to perform manual measurements and adjustments in challenging environmental conditions.
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 system enables self-adaptation of transmission parameters, reducing maintenance costs and improving navigation system reliability by providing a fully calibrated arrangement of transmitting units, which can operate accurately under adverse conditions, such as poor weather, and is particularly beneficial for watercraft and aircraft navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a first transmitting unit (1) of the at least four transmitting units (1-4) is designed to emit a first transmission signal to each of the three remaining transmitting units (2-4)
Implementation Method 2
determine relative position data, in particular spatial position information of the first transmitting unit (1) with respect to the three remaining transmitting units (2-4), on the basis of the first response signals returned
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (10) for calibrating a transmitting unit (1). The system comprises an arrangement (20) of at least four transmitting units (1, 2, 3, 4), wherein a first transmitting unit (1) of the at least four transmitting units (1, 2, 3, 4) has stored position data (31) with respect to a setpoint position (1a) of the first transmitting unit (1). The first transmitting unit (1) is designed to emit a first transmission signal (11) to each of the three remaining transmitting units (2, 3, 4). Each of the three remaining transmitting units (2, 3, 4) is designed to receive the first transmission signal (11) and, after receiving the first transmission signal (11), to return a first response signal (12) to the first transmitting unit (1). The first transmitting unit (1) is designed to determine relative position data (41) of the first transmitting unit (1) with respect to the three remaining transmitting units (2, 3, 4) on the basis of the first response signals (12) returned. The first transmitting unit (1) is designed to detect a deviation (d) between the stored position data (31) and the relative position data (41) determined and to carry out a calibration of a transmission parameter of the first transmitting unit (1) on the basis of the detected deviation (d). The invention furthermore relates to a watercraft (100) comprising a system (10) for calibrating a transmitting unit (1), and to a method for calibrating a transmitting unit (1).