Virtual Frequency Switching for Timing Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronization and range finding in radio systems are complex and lack the accuracy and speed required for precise measurements, especially at high frequencies and short distances, where movement can significantly impact measurements within a short time window.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining virtual frequency switching times between multiple frequencies to improve timing precision, reduce wavelength-dependent ambiguity, and achieve higher accuracy by using phase relationships between signals, allowing for precise distance determination between objects using signals from digital data transmission systems like Bluetooth, even with simpler hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequency switching is used to improve timing precision, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software-based phase detection and frequency switching control to replicate the functionality of complex hardware timing systems. By copying the essential timing measurement function through software algorithms that analyze phase relationships between frequency-switched signals, the system achieves high precision without requiring complex dedicated hardware circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency switching mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides timing precision improvement, enables distance measurement, and facilitates synchronization between devices. The same frequency-switched signals are used for both time measurement and distance calculation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple frequencies are used to reduce wavelength-dependent ambiguity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but signal generation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic frequency switching between multiple frequencies in a structured sequence. By alternating between different frequencies in regular intervals and using the phase relationships that emerge from this periodic switching, the system resolves wavelength-dependent ambiguities without requiring complex continuous multi-frequency synthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the transmitted signals between different discrete values (f1, f2, ..., fn). By measuring phase differences at these different frequency points and combining the measurements, the system eliminates wavelength-dependent ambiguities that would plague single-frequency systems.
3Measurement precision
If faster measurements are performed to improve accuracy in dynamic scenarios, then measurement accuracy is improved, but synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the phase relationship measurements from frequency-switched signals as feedback to automatically adjust and maintain synchronization between transmitter and receiver. The detected phase differences provide real-time information about timing offsets, enabling automatic synchronization correction without complex manual calibration or external reference signals.
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 enables accurate distance measurement with an error of less than 50 cm for distances up to 10 km, eliminating the need for high-precision clocks and allowing for synchronization with a few nanoseconds accuracy, thus enhancing measurement speed and accuracy in dynamic scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
determining a first virtual frequency switching time between a first frequency of a first signal and a first further frequency of a first further signal, wherein the phase progression of the first signal has a first phase relationship relative to a first further phase progression of the first further signal
Data Source
AI summary
Method for determining a first virtual frequency switching time between a first frequency of a first signal emitted by a first object having a first phase progression and a first further frequency of a first further signal emitted from the first object. First virtual frequency switching time is determined as a time at which, at a second object, the phase relationship between an interpolated or received phase position of the first signal and an interpolated or received phase position of the first further signal corresponds to a first phase relationship between the first further phase progression and first phase progression.