Assisted Positioning Systems with Peer-to-Peer Data Relaying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS assistance systems face limitations in providing accurate positioning in urban areas and indoors due to signal blockages, requiring extensive network infrastructure and internet connectivity, and struggle with peer-to-peer device connections for data sharing, leading to inefficiencies in data exchange and coverage.
Innovation Solution
A software client embedded in devices forms peer-to-peer networks to process and relay assistance data, including GPS and non-GNSS data, allowing devices to share localized assistance data directly or through a server, enhancing positioning accuracy and reducing reliance on external networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If peer-to-peer device connections are used for assistance data sharing, then network infrastructure requirements are reduced, but data exchange efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments assistance data into multiple types (ephemeris, almanac, clock corrections, ionospheric corrections) and transmits them through different channels - critical data via peer-to-peer connections and bulk data via network infrastructure, optimizing both efficiency and infrastructure utilization
Solution Approach 2:
A coordinator device acts as an intermediary in the peer-to-peer network, managing data exchange between devices, caching assistance data, and routing requests to appropriate sources, thereby improving overall data exchange efficiency without requiring centralized network infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If assistance data is transmitted through mobile network service providers, then data accuracy is improved, but loss of time due to network dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having devices cache assistance data locally before it is needed, and by pre-establishing peer-to-peer connections between devices in proximity, so that when positioning is required, data is immediately available without network delay
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where devices report their assistance data status and positioning performance to the network, allowing the system to optimize data transmission strategies and predict when peer-to-peer exchange will be most beneficial
3Area of stationary object
If extensive network infrastructure is deployed for assistance data delivery, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Devices autonomously determine their assistance data needs, select appropriate sources (peer-to-peer or network), and manage their own data caching and update strategies, eliminating the need for centralized control and reducing operational complexity while maintaining wide coverage
Data Source
AI summary
A position determining unit has an assistance data processing and relaying module (software client) (1318) that obtains localised assistance data,such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) assistance data and/or non-GNSS(such as Wireless Positioning System) assistance data, from an assisting peer position determining unitand relays the localised assistance data to an assisted peer position determining unit. The relaying may be done via an assistance server. In a relaying GNSS position determining unit, such as a GPS receiver, the chip (1310) architecture has multi-frequency GNSS baseband (1311), GSM or UMTS baseband (1312) for long range communication and short range baseband (1313) such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or UWB. The assistance data generating module (1316) generateslocalised assistance data at the relaying GNSS unit from the GNSS R.F. front end and/or GNSS baseband and/or microcontroller running the GNSS solutions software portion. The assistance data feed module (1317) suppliesassistance data to any combination of the main modulesof the GNSS position determining unit. The supplied assistance data may originate in the relaying GNSS unit itself or the assisting GNSS unit.