Airborne TSPI System Using Pseudolites and GNSS
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional time-space-position-information (TSPI) systems for range testing are expensive, large, and complex, making them costly to maintain and operate, especially in GPS-denied environments and for dynamic aircraft and UAVs, where they often rely on ground-based assets like radar and cinetheodolites.
Innovation Solution
A novel system and method providing precise TSPI using a low-cost, low-size-weight-power (c-SWAP) GPS/INS navigation and timing system on-board air vehicles, combined with ground-based pseudolite transmitters and collaborative signal processing, enabling robust and versatile TSPI solutions independent of traditional GPS systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ground-based assets like radar and cinetheodolites are used for TSPI, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical ground-based tracking systems (radar, cinetheodolites) with an electronic/GNSS-based solution. The air vehicle carries its own GNSS receiver and inertial navigation system, eliminating the need for large ground-based mechanical tracking equipment while maintaining measurement precision through satellite-based positioning and inertial sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The air vehicle becomes self-sufficient for TSPI measurement by carrying onboard GNSS receivers and inertial navigation systems. Instead of relying on external ground-based assets, the vehicle independently determines its own position, velocity, and timing information, thereby reducing system complexity and operational costs.
2Measurement precision
If traditional ground-based assets are deployed, then TSPI data accuracy is ensured, but operational costs and maintenance expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs relatively inexpensive, commercially available GNSS receivers and inertial sensors that can be easily manufactured and replaced on the air vehicle. These components are far cheaper than traditional ground-based radar and cinetheodolite systems, significantly reducing both initial acquisition costs and ongoing operational expenses while maintaining adequate measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If GPS systems are used for navigation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but reliability decreases in GPS-denied environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GNSS positioning with inertial navigation system (INS) measurement data to create a hybrid navigation solution. The GNSS provides accurate position fixes when available, while the INS continues to provide navigation information during GPS-denied periods, and the two systems are integrated through filtering algorithms to maintain continuous, reliable TSPI data throughout the flight.
4Adaptability or versatility
If ground-based assets are used for range testing, then measurement coverage is achieved, but ease of operation and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TSPI measurement function from ground-based infrastructure and relocates it to the air vehicle itself. Each vehicle becomes an independent measurement unit with its own GNSS receiver and sensors, eliminating the need for coordinated deployment of large ground-based asset networks and simplifying operational logistics while maintaining full measurement coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for time-space-position-information (TSPI) includes at least one air-based platform having an on-board navigation system. The on-board navigation system includes a dedicated on-board transmitter and a dedicated on-board receiver. A plurality of ground-based receiver nodes are in communication with the on-board transmitter of the air-based platform. A plurality of ground-based pseudolite transmitter nodes are in communication with the on-board receiver of the air-based platform. The system can provide TSPI solutions for the air-based platform during range and field testing. A ground-based station controls and monitors system components and processes data.