Authenticated GNS Correction Data via Central Computation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing global navigation satellite systems (GNS) face accuracy degradation due to signal delays and errors in the atmosphere and satellite data, and rely on dense reference station networks that are not always available, limiting precise positioning, especially in areas without infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that uses a central computation unit to combine and authenticate correction information, such as orbit, clock, and atmospheric delay corrections, transmitted via GNS satellites, eliminating the need for terrestrial transmitters and allowing precise positioning using a global network of reference stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a dense reference station network is used for differential GPS corrections, then positioning accuracy is improved, but infrastructure dependency and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidreference station network infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the correction computation function from distributed reference stations and concentrates it in a single central computation unit. This eliminates the need for dense reference station networks while maintaining positioning accuracy, as the central unit processes satellite signal data and generates corrections that are distributed to receivers via satellite downlink.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes GNS satellites serve dual functions: providing navigation signals and distributing correction information. By utilizing the existing satellite infrastructure for both purposes, the system eliminates dependency on terrestrial reference station networks and ground-based radio transmitters, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If correction information is transmitted via terrestrial transmitters, then localization accuracy is improved, but coverage is limited to areas with infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidglobal coverage capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables GNS satellites to perform dual functions of navigation signal transmission and correction information distribution. This allows receivers anywhere with satellite visibility to access precise positioning corrections, eliminating the need for terrestrial infrastructure and enabling global coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions the correction distribution medium from terrestrial (ground-based) to space-based (satellite) transmission. This dimensional change in the transmission medium enables global coverage by utilizing the three-dimensional satellite orbit geometry rather than being constrained to ground-level terrestrial networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If multiple separate transmitters are used for navigation and correction signals, then signal reliability is improved, but receiver complexity and antenna requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidreceiver antenna system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines navigation signals and correction information into a single transmission medium (GNS satellite downlink). Receivers process both types of information from the same satellite signals, eliminating the need for separate antennas and transmitters while maintaining signal reliability through the robustness of satellite-based transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If authenticated correction information is provided through a central computation unit via satellites, then global precise positioning is enabled, but data authentication and verification complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecimeter accuracy positioningVSAvoiddata authentication system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a central computation unit as an intermediary that authenticates correction information before satellite transmission. This centralized authentication approach ensures data integrity and reliability while simplifying the receiver's task, as the authentication is performed upstream in the correction generation process rather than requiring complex verification at each receiver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3861375B1Method for providing authenticated correction information, plurality of reference stations and a redundant central computation unit, GNS system and software product and/or network for providing a correction information message in a GNS system or other means
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 SPACEOPAL GMBH
  • EP3861375B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3861375B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3861375B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for providing authenticated correction information (20), in particular orbit, clock and bias/offset correction information, to a mobile receiver (5) in a GNS system, comprising: - receiving raw data from satellites (2) at a plurality of reference stations (15); - forwarding the raw data received at the reference stations (15) to a central computation unit (30), in particular to a single central computation unit, using a data stream (18), in particular a common data stream; - determining the correction information (20) at the computation unit (30) based on the raw data received from the different reference stations (15) and - transmitting the correction information (20) via at least one satellite (2) to the receiver (15) for reliably determining a position of the mobile receiver (5).