Beacon-Based Precision Navigation and Timing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS systems face limitations in accuracy, signal strength, cost, and upgradeability, particularly requiring four satellites for precise navigation and timing, with errors from clock inaccuracy, ephemeris inaccuracies, and ionospheric delay, and are costly to maintain and upgrade.
Innovation Solution
A beacon-based precision navigation and timing system using a constellation of small, low-cost satellites and ground beacons, with each satellite equipped with a PNT module including a radio receiver, atomic clock, FPGA, and microprocessor to process and transmit navigation data, allowing for simultaneous transmission of multiple signals with improved accuracy and anti-jamming capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If GPS satellites transmit navigation signals using 50W transmitters through helical antennas, then the signal can be received over large areas, but the signal strength is weak and requires complex antenna arrays to provide uniform signal power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from satellite-based 3D orbital positioning to ground-based 2D beacon positioning with space vehicle relays. By placing beacons on the ground plane and using space vehicles as intermediate relay points, the system achieves better signal strength at lower cost while maintaining wide coverage through the spatial distribution of ground beacons
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces space vehicles as intermediary elements between ground beacons and ground receivers. These space vehicles receive signals from ground beacons and relay them to receivers, enabling extended coverage while using lower power ground-based transmitters instead of high-power satellite transmitters
2Measurement precision
If GPS requires four satellites in view for position and time determination, then accurate PNT can be achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PNT function into ground-based beacons that provide timing references and space vehicles that provide position information. This segmentation allows receivers to determine position and time using fewer simultaneous transmitters in view, reducing system complexity while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables space vehicles to self-determine their position and time by receiving signals from ground beacons, then use this self-determined information to assist ground receivers. This self-service capability reduces the burden on the overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
3Area of stationary object
If GPS uses 25 satellites in five planes at half-GEO altitude, then global coverage is achieved, but the operational and maintenance costs are extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, long-lived GPS satellites with cheaper, shorter-lived space vehicles that can be launched more frequently and at lower cost. Ground beacons provide the persistent infrastructure, while space vehicles serve as temporary relay points, reducing overall operational cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where ground beacons provide timing references for both space vehicles and ground receivers, while space vehicles provide both position determination for receivers and signal relay functionality. This universality reduces the total number of expensive satellites needed while maintaining global coverage
4Loss of information
If GPS transmits navigation data at 50 bps with 30-second frame transmission, then complete ephemeris information is provided, but the acquisition time from cold restart is approximately 30 seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic timing signals from ground beacons that space vehicles and receivers can use to synchronize and rapidly acquire position and time information. This periodic timing reference enables faster acquisition compared to GPS's 30-second frame transmission while maintaining complete navigation data
Data Source
AI summary
Beacon-based Precision Navigation and Timing (PNT) may use a constellation of space vehicles (e.g., small, low cost satellites) coupled to a network of ground stations and a network of beacons. Such a system be provided at a cost that is approximately 100 times lower than GPS both to build and to operate. The resulting system may also provide fast acquisition, improved SNR, improved anti-jam and anti-spoofing capabilities, and six-inch scale location determination, making it applicable to both existing PNT applications and enabling new applications.