Aerial Vehicle Pseudo-Satellite Positioning Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite-based and ground-based positioning systems are susceptible to interference and limited range, making it difficult for mobile receivers to obtain accurate location information, especially in areas where direct signals are unavailable due to obstructions or natural disasters.
Innovation Solution
A network of aerial vehicles is used to extend positioning capabilities by receiving location information from ground stations and satellites, calculating predicted locations based on ephemeris data, and transmitting this information to mobile receivers, effectively acting as pseudo-satellites to provide location data even in areas with obstructed or unavailable satellite signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite-based positioning systems are used, then location information can be provided to mobile receivers, but the systems are susceptible to localized interference (jamming) and have limited range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces aerial vehicles as intermediary devices between satellites/ground stations and mobile receivers. These aerial vehicles receive positioning signals from satellites or ground stations, process the location data, and then transmit it to mobile receivers in areas where direct satellite signals are blocked or interfered with, thus mediating the positioning function in denied environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the positioning system into multiple distributed aerial vehicle nodes instead of relying on a single centralized satellite system. Each aerial vehicle independently receives and processes positioning data, creating a distributed network that can provide resilient positioning services even when parts of the system are compromised or blocked
2Reliability
If ground-based positioning systems are used as replacement, then positioning can be provided, but the range is limited and they remain susceptible to natural disasters or attack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based positioning systems operating in two dimensions (horizontal plane) to aerial vehicles operating in three dimensions (adding vertical dimension). This dimensional change enables extended coverage range while maintaining proximity to receivers, overcoming both the limited range of ground systems and the vulnerability to ground-based disruptions
3Measurement precision
If aerial vehicles transmit location information in real-time, then accurate positioning can be provided, but the complexity of maintaining synchronization and ephemeris data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having aerial vehicles pre-calculate and store ephemeris data representing their motion trajectories. Instead of performing complex real-time calculations during positioning operations, the vehicles prepare location predictions in advance based on pre-computed ephemeris data, reducing operational complexity while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by having aerial vehicles transmit pre-calculated location information that represents their predicted positions. Rather than continuously computing and transmitting raw observational data, the system copies and transmits pre-processed location predictions derived from ephemeris models, simplifying the transmission and processing burden
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a method for providing location information to a mobile receiver from a plurality of aerial vehicles is provided. The method includes receiving a source location from at least three location sources at each aerial vehicle of the plurality of aerial vehicles. The at least three location sources includes a remote aerial vehicle. A predicted location of the aerial vehicle at a future time is calculated at each aerial vehicle based at least in part on a current time at the aerial vehicle, the received source locations, and ephemeris data that represents motion of each remote aerial vehicle. The predicted location is transmitted at the future time at each aerial vehicle. The transmitted locations from the aerial vehicles are used by a mobile receiver to determine a current location of the mobile receiver.