Adaptive Electron Density Model for GNSS Ionospheric Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ionospheric models for single-frequency GNSS receivers suffer from inhomogeneous station distribution, inhomogeneous data quality, and significant loss of information due to model smoothing, leading to coarse resolution and data gaps, which affect the accuracy of ionospheric corrections.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive model of electron density distribution is determined using local electron density data from both stationary and movable provision points, with dynamic redistribution of basis functions to achieve spatial and temporal adaptivity, allowing for high-resolution modeling in dense areas and bridging data gaps with a combination of local and global models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If globally defined basis functions (spherical harmonics or voxels) are used for TEC parameterization and interpolation, then a homogeneous model structure is achieved, but the resolution degrades due to model smoothing in areas with dense station distribution and data gaps in areas without coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel structure homogeneityVSAvoidTEC model resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using locally defined basis functions instead of globally defined ones. Each local region has its own basis functions adapted to the local station distribution characteristics, allowing high resolution in dense areas (like Europe) while maintaining stability in sparse areas. This resolves the contradiction by making the model structure locally optimized rather than globally uniform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the global ionosphere model into multiple local regions, each modeled independently with its own basis functions. This segmentation allows different resolution levels in different regions, preventing the smoothing effect that occurs when a single global model must accommodate both dense and sparse station distributions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the degree and order of KFF or voxel sizes are defined by the station distribution, then areas with dense observations can achieve high resolution, but areas without station coverage must be bridged with very coarse model resolution

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTEC model resolution in dense areasVSAvoidinformation loss in sparse areas
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the basis function parameters (degree, order, voxel sizes) to be dynamically adjusted based on local station distribution density. In dense areas, higher resolution parameters are used; in sparse areas, the model automatically adapts to use appropriate coarser parameters while maintaining continuity through the local basis function formulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If stationary reference stations with inhomogeneous distribution are used to determine TEC values, then global coverage is attempted, but significant information loss occurs due to model smoothing and data gaps in uncovered areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglobal coverage areaVSAvoidionosphere information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

By using locally defined basis functions centered at each reference station, the patent ensures that each station's information is utilized optimally in its local region without being smoothed out by global interpolation. This local quality approach preserves detailed ionosphere information in covered areas while the piecewise construction ensures continuity across the global domain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates local copies of the basis function model at each reference station location. Each local model is a copy adapted to its specific location's station distribution, allowing information to be preserved locally rather than being lost to global smoothing. These local copies are then assembled to form the complete global model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3586168B1Method for determining an adaptive model of an electron density distribution
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3586168B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining a model of an electron distribution in the Earth's atmosphere, which is used to correct propagation time measurements of signals emitted by earth satellites for position determination operations using signal receivers, having at least the following steps of: a) determining local electron density data relating to provision locations (2), b) determining a local resolution accuracy on the basis of a local density of provision locations, c) determining functions for interpolating the electron density distribution determined in step a) on the basis of the resolution accuracy determined in step b), d) creating the model of the electron density distribution using the data determined in step a) and the functions determined in step c).