Differential GPS Base Station for Mobile Position Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices equipped with GPS chipsets face limitations in positioning accuracy due to size, weight, and cost constraints, making them inadequate for applications requiring higher precision such as drone-based package delivery or search-and-rescue operations.
Innovation Solution
A method that enhances GPS positioning accuracy by using a stationary base station with a known reference geoposition to correct the GPS data of a mobile device through differential GPS techniques, Real-Time Kinematic (RTK), or Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS)/Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) methods, over an internet connection, allowing for more precise geopositioning without modifying the mobile device's hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard GPS hardware is used in mobile devices, then device size, weight, and cost are reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates to 5-15 meters
Solution Approach 1:
A base station acts as an intermediary between GPS satellites and mobile devices. The base station receives GPS signals, calculates correction data based on its known precise location, and transmits these corrections to mobile devices via internet connection, enabling high-accuracy positioning without upgrading device hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for high-quality physical GPS hardware in mobile devices with a software-based differential correction system. Instead of improving the mechanical/electrical components of GPS receivers, the system uses computational correction algorithms processed over internet connections to achieve centimeter-level accuracy
2Measurement precision
If differential GPS correction techniques are implemented, then positioning accuracy improves to 1-2 meters or less, but system complexity increases due to base station requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs multiple functions: it acts as a GPS receiver, a reference position source, a correction data calculator, and a communication node. This multi-functionality consolidates complex infrastructure requirements into a single versatile component that can serve multiple mobile devices simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables mobile devices to self-correct their GPS positioning by providing them with the necessary correction data over internet connections. Each device independently applies the differential correction algorithms using its own processor, without requiring external intervention or specialized hardware modifications
Data Source
AI summary
A method may be executed by a base station or mobile device to improve accuracy of a global positioning system (GPS)-based position or “geoposition” of the mobile device. A time-stamped first set of GPS data may be received via a GPS receiver, e.g., of the base station. A second set of GPS data describing a geoposition of the mobile device is received from the mobile device by the base station. A time of collection of the base station and mobile device GPS data coincides. The GPS data includes code phase and pseudo-range data from each of the GPS satellites, and may include carrier phase data. A predetermined GPS position correction technique is used to generate a corrected geoposition of the mobile device using the GPS data. The corrected geoposition is then transmitted to the mobile device and/or an external response system such as a drone or first responder.