{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854558","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854558","title":"Receiver processor for adaptive windowing and high-resolution TOA determination in a multiple receiver target location system","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-06-03T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","G01S","G01S","H04L","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":17,"abstract":"The present invention provides methods for a high-resolution active RTLS tag location determination system that provides for <1 ns TOA accuracy and resolution and significantly reduces the channel effects of multipath interference, even in low SNR applications. To accomplish these objectives, the present invention provides for an iterative and adaptive windowing function in each of the receivers of a receiver grid that captures multiple reflections of multiple transmissions from each of the associated target RTLS tags. The adaptive windowing function is used in conjunction with an asynchronous transmit and receive clock function that effectively increases resolution of TOA detection to levels less than the minimum detection window width associated with each of the receivers in the receiver grid."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Receiver Processor for Adaptive Windowing and High-resolution Toa Determination in a Multiple Receiver Target Location System patent introduces a novel approach to Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) that significantly improves accuracy and reliability, particularly in challenging environments. The core innovation is an iterative and adaptive windowing function implemented in each receiver of a receiver grid, designed to capture multiple reflections of signals from RTLS tags while filtering out noise and multipath interference. This is coupled with an asynchronous transmit and receive clock function that enhances the resolution of Time-of-Arrival (TOA) detection, achieving sub-nanosecond accuracy.\n\nThe problem being solved is the inherent inaccuracy of existing RTLS technologies in complex environments due to multipath interference and low signal-to-noise ratios. Traditional methods often struggle to provide reliable location data, leading to inefficiencies and errors in various applications.\n\nThe key technical approach involves dynamically adjusting the time window used to capture incoming signals, focusing on the strongest and most reliable reflections while discarding noise. The asynchronous clock function further refines TOA detection by analyzing phase differences between transmitted and received signals.\n\nThe business value lies in the enhanced accuracy and reliability of location data, which can transform industries such as logistics, healthcare, and security. In logistics, precise tracking of goods can reduce losses and improve supply chain efficiency. In healthcare, real-time location of equipment and personnel can optimize workflows and enhance patient care. Security applications benefit from accurate tracking of individuals or assets in sensitive areas.\n\nThe market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for accurate location-based services continues to grow across various sectors. The Receiver Processor for Adaptive Windowing and High-resolution Toa Determination in a Multiple Receiver Target Location System offers a compelling solution for applications requiring high precision and robustness to interference, positioning it as a key enabler for the next generation of RTLS technologies.","layman_explanation":"The Receiver Processor for Adaptive Windowing and High-resolution Toa Determination in a Multiple Receiver Target Location System patent addresses a critical challenge in real-time location tracking: accuracy in complex environments. Imagine trying to track inventory in a large warehouse with metal shelves and moving forklifts. The signals used for tracking bounce off these objects, creating 'echoes' that confuse the system and lead to inaccurate location data. Existing tracking systems often struggle with these 'echoes,' known as multipath interference, resulting in inefficiencies and increased costs.\n\nThis patent provides a solution by using a technique called adaptive windowing. Think of it like focusing a spotlight on the signal coming directly from the object you're tracking, while ignoring all the scattered light from the reflections. The system dynamically adjusts this 'window' to capture the clearest and most reliable signal, filtering out the interference. It also uses a clever method to measure the time it takes for the signal to arrive with very high precision, even if the system's internal clock isn't perfectly accurate. This combination of adaptive filtering and precise timing allows for much more accurate location tracking, even in challenging environments.\n\nWhy does this matter? Accurate location tracking has significant implications for various industries. In logistics, it can reduce the time spent searching for misplaced items, optimize warehouse workflows, and improve supply chain efficiency. In healthcare, it can help track critical equipment, monitor patient movements, and ensure timely delivery of medications. In manufacturing, it can optimize production processes, improve worker safety, and prevent theft of valuable assets. By providing more accurate and reliable location data, this technology can unlock significant cost savings and operational improvements.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology has the potential to be integrated into a wide range of applications, from autonomous robots and drones to wearable devices and smart home systems. As the demand for accurate location-based services continues to grow, this innovation is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of real-time location tracking. Investors should consider the potential market disruption and the opportunities for early adoption in various industries.","technical_analysis":"The Receiver Processor for Adaptive Windowing and High-resolution Toa Determination in a Multiple Receiver Target Location System patent presents a significant advancement in Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), addressing the limitations of existing technologies in complex environments. The technical architecture revolves around a receiver grid, with each receiver incorporating an adaptive windowing function and an asynchronous clock. The system aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of Time-of-Arrival (TOA) measurements by mitigating the effects of multipath interference and enhancing TOA resolution.\n\nThe adaptive windowing function operates by dynamically adjusting the time window used to capture incoming signals. This involves an iterative process where the window is refined based on the characteristics of the received signals. The algorithm focuses on the strongest and most reliable reflections while discarding noise and multipath components. The implementation likely involves signal processing techniques such as filtering, correlation, and thresholding to identify the optimal window parameters. The adaptive windowing parameters are likely determined by analyzing the signal strength, delay spread, and angle of arrival of the received signals.\n\nThe asynchronous clock function enhances TOA resolution by analyzing the phase differences between the transmitted and received signals. This technique allows the system to achieve sub-nanosecond TOA accuracy, even with relatively coarse timing resolution in the receiver circuitry. The implementation likely involves sophisticated phase estimation algorithms and precise calibration of the receiver clocks. The asynchronous clock function requires careful synchronization and compensation for clock drift to maintain accuracy over time.\n\nThe integration patterns involve a central processing unit that collects TOA data from each receiver and performs trilateration or multilateration to determine the location of the RTLS tags. The central processing unit likely uses advanced algorithms to fuse the TOA data from multiple receivers and estimate the tag locations. The integration with existing systems, such as ERP and MES, can be achieved through open APIs and standard communication protocols. The system's performance characteristics include sub-meter accuracy in real-time, robustness to multipath interference, and scalability to handle a large number of tags and receivers.\n\nCode-level implications involve the development of efficient signal processing algorithms for adaptive windowing and phase estimation. The implementation may require specialized hardware, such as high-speed ADCs and FPGAs, to handle the high data rates and complex computations. The software architecture should be modular and scalable to support future enhancements and integration with new technologies.","business_analysis":"The Receiver Processor for Adaptive Windowing and High-resolution Toa Determination in a Multiple Receiver Target Location System patent holds significant business potential due to its ability to improve the accuracy and reliability of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS). The market opportunity size for RTLS is substantial and growing, driven by increasing demand for asset tracking, personnel safety, and workflow optimization across various industries. The competitive advantages of this technology lie in its sub-nanosecond TOA accuracy and robustness to multipath interference, which outperform traditional RTLS solutions.\n\nThe revenue potential is significant, as the technology can be monetized through licensing, product sales, and service offerings. Licensing the patent to RTLS vendors can generate recurring revenue streams. Selling RTLS systems based on this technology can capture a share of the growing RTLS market. Providing value-added services, such as installation, maintenance, and support, can further increase revenue.\n\nThe business models include direct sales, channel partnerships, and subscription-based services. Direct sales involve selling RTLS systems directly to end-users. Channel partnerships involve collaborating with distributors and integrators to reach a wider customer base. Subscription-based services involve providing RTLS as a service, with customers paying a recurring fee for access to the technology and related services.\n\nThe strategic positioning involves targeting industries where accurate location data is critical, such as healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. In healthcare, the technology can be used to track medical equipment, monitor patient movements, and optimize workflows. In logistics, it can be used to track goods throughout the supply chain, reduce losses, and improve efficiency. In manufacturing, it can be used to track assets, monitor personnel safety, and optimize production processes.\n\nThe ROI projections are favorable, as the technology can significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety. The improved accuracy and reliability of location data can lead to reduced asset search times, optimized workflows, and improved decision-making. The technology can also help organizations comply with regulatory requirements and improve their overall risk management profile. Investment in this technology is likely to yield a high return on investment due to its potential to transform various industries and create new business opportunities.","faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Receiver processor for adaptive windowing and high-resolution TOA determination in a multiple receiver target location system","description":"The present invention provides methods for a high-resolution active RTLS tag location determination system that provides for <1 ns TOA accuracy and resolution and significantly reduces the channel eff","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854558","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854558","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Receiver processor for adaptive windowing and high-resolution TOA determination in a multiple receiver target location system\" (US-9854558). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854558","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854558","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854558","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T11:10:50.233Z"}