Internet hotspots localization using satellite systems

Abstract

Systems and methods according to various embodiments provide for navigation in attenuated environments by integrating satellite signals with Internet hotspot signals. In one embodiment, a receiver unit adapted to perform geolocation comprises an antenna adapted to receive a precision time signal from a satellite and receive additional aiding information from a wireless network station, wherein the precision time signal comprises a periodic repeating code. The receiver unit also comprises a processor and a memory adapted to store a plurality of computer readable instructions which when executed by the processor are adapted to cause the receiver unit to: use the precision time signal and the aiding information to determine a precise absolute time, determine positioning information associated with the receiver unit, use the positioning information to request location information of the wireless network station, and determine an absolute geolocation of the receiver unit using the positioning information and the location information.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to navigation, and more particularly to satellite-based navigation techniques. Background technique [0002] Existing navigation and timing signals provided by various existing satellite navigation systems generally do not provide satisfactory system performance. In particular, the signal power, bandwidth, and geometric coverage of such navigation and timing signals are generally insufficient to meet the needs of many demanding usage scenarios. [0003] Existing navigation and timing solutions based on, for example, Global Positioning System (GPS) signals may not be available to navigation users in many cases. Typically, a GPS receiver must receive at least 4 simultaneous ranging sources to allow three-dimensional positioning and accurate time transfer. However, the low signal power or geometric area provided by GPS signals is often not sufficient to easily penetrate urban canyons or building walls. Other navi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, inertial navigation systems drift and are expensive

Beacons require dedicated fixed resources, are expensive and non-standard, and therefore have only specialized uses, while sensitive GPS systems often fail to meet user expectations due to weak GPS signals in indoor environments

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