Tunnel Positioning Using Adjacent Radio Unit Delay Signals

Solution Overview

Problem

Current tunnel positioning methods in wireless communication systems are hindered by high hardware costs and construction difficulties, particularly when using Bluetooth and UltraWide Band systems.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing delay information from adjacent radio remote units within a tunnel positioning system to determine the position of a target device, without the need for Bluetooth or UWB systems, by calculating distances and frame header delay differences using signal transmission delays between radio remote units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If Bluetooth systems and UltraWide Band (UWB) systems are used to realize tunnel positioning function, then positioning accuracy is improved, but hardware cost increases and construction becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidhardware cost and construction difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing communication base station system to perform both communication and positioning functions simultaneously. The positioning method uses the same communication infrastructure (base stations and mobile devices) for both purposes, eliminating the need for separate Bluetooth or UWB positioning systems. This resolves the contradiction by achieving positioning accuracy through a unified system rather than adding complex dedicated positioning hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by using the communication signals already present in the system for positioning purposes. The mobile device's communication signals are utilized to measure time delays and calculate positions without requiring additional positioning-specific hardware. This approach reduces hardware cost while maintaining positioning functionality by making the communication system serve dual purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If Bluetooth systems and UltraWide Band (UWB) systems are deployed in tunnels, then positioning function is achieved, but construction difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning functionVSAvoidconstruction difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing communication base station system to perform both communication and positioning functions simultaneously. The positioning method uses the same communication infrastructure (base stations and mobile devices) for both purposes, eliminating the need for separate Bluetooth or UWB positioning systems. This resolves the contradiction by achieving positioning accuracy through a unified system rather than adding complex dedicated positioning hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by using the communication signals already present in the system for positioning purposes. The mobile device's communication signals are utilized to measure time delays and calculate positions without requiring additional positioning-specific hardware. This approach reduces hardware cost while maintaining positioning functionality by making the communication system serve dual purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces hardware costs and construction complexity while achieving accurate tunnel positioning with an expected accuracy of about 10 meters, enabling effective tracking of vehicles and mobile devices within tunnels.

Implementation Method 1

acquiring first delay information corresponding to the first radio remote unit and second delay information corresponding to the second radio remote unit... the first delay information is configured to characterize a delay generated when a signal is transmitted from the target device to the first radio remote unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20240426965A1Tunnel positioning method, apparatus and system, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 ZTE CORP

AI summary

Disclosed are a tunnel positioning method, apparatus and system and a storage medium. The method includes: acquiring first delay information corresponding to the first radio remote unit and second delay information corresponding to the second radio remote unit when a target device moves between a first radio remote unit and a second radio remote unit, the first radio remote unit and the second radio remote unit are any two adjacent radio remote units in a tunnel; and determining a position of the target device in the tunnel according to the first delay information, the second delay information, and a distance and a frame header delay difference between the first radio remote unit and the second radio remote unit acquired in advance.