CSWAP Geolocation Using LEO Doppler Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) face challenges in geolocation due to weak signal strength in attenuated environments and the inability to effectively utilize Doppler shifts for position determination, requiring multiple satellites for calculations.
Innovation Solution
A low cost, size, weight, and power (CSWAP) geolocation system that utilizes signal characteristics, such as Doppler shifts, from burst signals transmitted by low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, offloading processing to a backhaul network for rapid and accurate position calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional GNSS satellites in MEO are used for geolocation, then global coverage is achieved, but signal strength becomes very weak in attenuated environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orbital parameter of satellites from MEO to LEO, which fundamentally alters signal propagation characteristics. LEO satellites operate at lower altitudes (500-2000 km) compared to MEO satellites (2000-35786 km), resulting in significantly stronger signal strength at Earth's surface and improved penetration through attenuated environments while maintaining geolocation reliability
2Measurement precision
If traditional GNSS constellations are used, then PNT solutions can be calculated, but four separate satellites are required which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the velocity parameter of LEO satellites, which move much faster than MEO satellites. This high velocity creates significant Doppler shifts that can be measured and used for geolocation calculations. The system achieves PNT solutions using fewer satellites (as few as one) by leveraging these Doppler characteristics, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If MEO based GNSS constellations are used, then continuous coverage is provided, but Doppler changes over time are not significant enough for timely PNT information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the satellite velocity parameter by transitioning from MEO to LEO orbits. LEO satellites complete orbits in approximately 90 minutes compared to several hours for MEO satellites, creating rapid and significant Doppler frequency shifts. This enables timely and accurate PNT information derivation through Doppler measurements, as the frequency changes occur quickly enough for practical geolocation applications
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables resilient geolocation in attenuated environments with reduced power and hardware requirements, allowing for rapid and accurate position determination using Doppler properties of burst signals from LEO satellites.
Implementation Method 1
These traditional geolocation capabilities have steered away from utilizing signal characteristics, such as Doppler, to determine the position of a transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a method for determining a location of a first device. The method comprises receiving, by the first device, at least one first signal from at least one second device. The method further comprises determining, by the first device, estimated first signal properties of at least one first signal. Also, the method comprises generating, by the first device, at least one second signal based on at least a portion of the estimated first signal properties. Further, the method comprises transmitting, by the first device, at least one second signal to at least one third device. In one or more embodiments, estimated second signal properties of at least one second signal are determined by at least one third device. In at least one embodiment, the location of the first device is determined by utilizing at least a portion of the estimated second signal properties.