UWB Base Station Synchronization Without a Clock Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) positioning systems require high system complexity and cost due to the need for clock synchronization between multiple base stations, which is typically achieved through a clock synchronization server.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system and method that utilizes a master and multiple slave base stations connected in a synchronization order, where the master base station transmits positioning information and synchronization messages to slave stations, which forward them to the target device, allowing the target device to calculate its location using inter-station delays and synchronization messages without requiring a clock synchronization server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a clock synchronization server is used to synchronize time between multiple base stations, then time synchronization precision is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the clock synchronization server from the system architecture. Instead of using an external synchronization server, the system uses the master base station as the time reference and has slave base stations synchronize with it directly, removing the complex synchronization server component while maintaining synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The master base station acts as an intermediary between the time reference and slave base stations. It receives timing information and distributes synchronized time to slave base stations through positioning information, eliminating the need for a dedicated synchronization server.
2Measurement precision
If a clock synchronization server is used to synchronize time between multiple base stations, then time synchronization precision is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clock synchronization server from the system, eliminating the cost associated with deploying and maintaining this separate infrastructure. The synchronization function is integrated into the existing base station architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The master base station performs multiple functions: it provides positioning information to target devices, maintains time synchronization, and distributes synchronized time to slave base stations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated synchronization hardware.
3Reliability
If multiple base stations are connected through a clock synchronization server, then time synchronization is achieved, but the number of system components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the time synchronization function with the positioning information transmission function. The master base station combines timing information with positioning data, and slave base stations receive both together, reducing the number of separate system components.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning information messages serve dual purposes: they provide positioning data to target devices and simultaneously convey time synchronization information to slave base stations, eliminating the need for separate synchronization channels or components.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning system includes a target device and multiple base stations connected with the target device. The multiple base stations include a master base station and multiple slave base stations that include a first slave base station and a second slave base station and are serially connected based on a synchronization order. The master base station is connected with the first slave base station. The master base station transmits a first positioning information to the target device and transmits a synchronization message to the multiple slave base stations based on the synchronization order. Each of the slave base stations transmits a second positioning information to the target device. The target device obtains location information of the target device based on an inter-station delay, a base station location, a first time receiving the first positioning information, and a second time receiving the second positioning information.