Method and Device for Position Determination

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method and device for determining the precise location of objects, particularly in environments where traditional GPS or other positioning systems are inaccurate or unavailable, such as indoors or underground. The system works by placing at least four reference stations (each with a known position and equipped with transmitters) that emit periodic signals at closely-spaced frequencies with specific patterns. Mobile devices on the objects to be located receive these signals, process them by distinguishing between the closely-spaced frequencies, and then determine their own positions based on the arrival times and phase information of the received signals. This approach allows for high-accuracy, high-frequency position measurements even in challenging environments.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Indoor navigation for people or robots in buildings, factories, or shopping malls where GPS is unreliable.
• Asset tracking in warehouses or logistics centers to monitor the real-time location of goods or equipment.
• Position monitoring for underground activities, such as mining or tunnel construction, where satellite signals cannot reach.
• Locating individuals or machinery in dense urban environments or structurally complex sites with signal interference.
• Medical applications for precise tracking of specific body parts (e.g., hand, knee) during rehabilitation or surgery.
• Augmented reality or virtual reality systems requiring high-precision indoor positioning of users or controllers.
• Security and access control by monitoring the presence or movement of personnel or assets within restricted areas.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables highly accurate position determination when GPS and other standard methods fail or are imprecise, such as indoors or underground.
• Supports simultaneous tracking of a large, theoretically unlimited number of objects.
• Reduces signal reflections and interference issues common in indoor environments, improving reliability.
• Allows for very high measurement rates (up to 1,000 updates per second or more), enabling real-time applications.
• Efficient spectrum use by employing closely spaced frequencies and periodic signal patterns, maximizing information with minimal bandwidth.
• System flexibility allows for both fixed and movable reference stations, adapting to various deployment needs.
• Phase information utilization leads to enhanced positional precision compared to conventional timing-only solutions.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the position of at least one object, each object being equipped with a mobile station having a receiver, wherein at least four reference objects having base stations are employed, which in each case initially have a known position and in which each of the base stations is equipped with a transmitter, wherein the base stations transmit signals and the mobile stations receive said signals. According to the invention, at least two of the base stations transmit periodic signals of different frequencies and have suitable apparatus for emitting signals having periodic patterns, which are transmitted on closely adjacent frequencies.