Wide Area Positioning System Beacon Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional positioning systems, such as GPS, experience degraded performance in poor signal conditions, leading to inaccuracies and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A wide area positioning system (WAPS) that utilizes a network of synchronized beacons, receiver units, and a server to provide terminal-based or network-based positioning, leveraging CDMA and TDMA techniques to address signal interference and near-far problems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional positioning systems like GPS are used, then positioning service is provided, but performance degrades in poor signal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary network of synchronized beacons and towers that relay positioning signals. This intermediary infrastructure enables signal routing through multiple paths, allowing receivers to obtain positioning data even when direct satellite signals are blocked or interfered with, thereby improving reliability in poor signal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is segmented into multiple distributed beacons and towers across the service area. Each beacon independently transmits positioning signals, creating multiple signal paths. This segmentation allows receivers to select from multiple signal sources, improving robustness against signal interference and enhancing overall positioning reliability
2Measurement precision
If more beacons and towers are deployed to improve coverage, then positioning accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple positioning functions into a unified network of synchronized beacons and towers. These distributed elements work together as an integrated system, sharing timing information and positioning data. This merging approach improves positioning accuracy through multiple measurement points while avoiding the complexity of completely independent systems by establishing a coordinated network
Solution Approach 2:
The beacons and towers serve multiple functions: they transmit positioning signals, provide timing synchronization, and relay communication data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated infrastructure for each function, improving positioning accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity
3Reliability
If signal processing techniques are enhanced to combat interference, then positioning reliability improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-synchronizing beacons and towers before positioning measurements are taken. Timing information and calibration data are prepared in advance and stored at receivers. This preliminary preparation reduces the computational burden during actual positioning operations, improving reliability through enhanced signal processing without significant time penalties
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for determining position of a receiver. The positioning system comprises a transmitter network including transmitters that broadcast positioning signals. The positioning system comprises a remote receiver that acquires and tracks the positioning signals and/or satellite signals. The satellite signals are signals of a satellite-based positioning system. A first mode of the remote receiver uses terminal-based positioning in which the remote receiver computes a position using the positioning signals and/or the satellite signals. The positioning system comprises a server coupled to the remote receiver. A second operating mode of the remote receiver comprises network-based positioning in which the server computes a position of the remote receiver from the positioning signals and/or satellite signals, where the remote receiver receives and transfers to the server the positioning signals and/or satellite signals.