Two-Way Ranging First Responder Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning systems for first responders lack accuracy and reliability within buildings, particularly during disasters when verbal communication of location is challenging due to incompatibility of two-way radios and obscured visibility.
Innovation Solution
A two-way ranging system that includes a personnel badge and enabler units using GPS signals with altimeter information to determine a first responder's three-dimensional location, eliminating the need for clock synchronization and additional hardware, allowing for accurate positioning with as few as two enabler units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two-way radio communication is used for positioning, then no additional positioning hardware is needed, but the system lacks accuracy and reliability due to radio incompatibility and difficulty in verbal communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary two-way ranging system that mediates between the badge and enabler units. This intermediary system uses time-synchronized radio signals to establish accurate position measurements without requiring direct compatibility between all communication devices, thus resolving the contradiction between hardware simplicity and positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/verbal communication system with an automated electronic ranging system. Instead of relying on verbal description of location, the system uses automated time-of-flight measurements of radio signals between badge and enabler units, substituting manual positioning methods with precise electronic measurement
2Measurement precision
If one-way ranging systems are used, then clock synchronization between enabler units is required, but this increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional one-way ranging approach by implementing two-way ranging where the badge transmits signals back to enabler units. This inversion eliminates the need for clock synchronization between enabler units because the round-trip time measurement inherently accounts for timing differences, resolving the contradiction between positioning capability and synchronization complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The two-way ranging system is self-synchronizing through the round-trip time measurement process. The system automatically compensates for timing variations without requiring external clock synchronization infrastructure, making the system self-service and reducing overall complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy
3Measurement precision
If two-way ranging with altimeter information is used, then three-dimensional positioning accuracy is improved, but the system requires additional measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the badge and enabler units multi-functional by integrating both ranging transponders and altimeters into single devices. This universality allows the same hardware platform to perform both horizontal positioning via two-way ranging and vertical positioning via altimetry, improving three-dimensional accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the horizontal positioning function (two-way ranging) with the vertical positioning function (altimetry) into a unified three-dimensional positioning system. By combining these measurement capabilities in an integrated manner, the system achieves comprehensive 3D accuracy while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems
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
Provides accurate three-dimensional positioning of first responders within buildings, enhancing reliability and reducing the complexity of communication, as it automatically reports the location without requiring additional hardware or clock synchronization.
Implementation Method 1
a primary enabler having a first two-way ranger radio for measuring a first round trip time between transmitting a first of the base ranging signals and receiving a first of the return ranging signals
Implementation Method 2
a personnel badge having an altimeter for determining a badge altitude
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning system for tracking the location of a first responder emergency worker. The system includes mobile enabler units and a personnel badge having a ranging transponder. Two enabler units can use two-way ranging signals, a prescribed turn around time and differential altitude for automatically tracking the location of the badge.