Doppler GNSS Position Fusion for Noisy Marine Navigation Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote sensing systems for navigation, such as radar and sonar, suffer from noise and measurement errors that reduce the reliability of position data, leading to inaccurate interpretations and increased risks in navigation, particularly in marine environments.
Innovation Solution
A position measurement system that combines data from multiple position sensors, including GNSS receivers, using weighting factors based on fix metadata to reduce noise and error, and incorporates orientation and position sensors to provide accurate and reliable position data for navigation and autopilot systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional remote sensing systems (radar, sonar) are used for navigation, then the systems can provide basic position data, but the position data contains noise and measurement errors that reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from multiple independent position sensors (GNSS receivers, Doppler log, speed log, depth sounder) into a single integrated position measurement system. By merging multiple data sources with different error characteristics, the system achieves higher reliability and precision than any single sensor could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors position data from multiple sensors and uses feedback mechanisms to detect inconsistencies, noise, and measurement errors. The logic device adjusts weighting factors based on observed data quality, creating a closed-loop system that actively corrects for measurement errors and maintains high reliability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple position sensors are combined to reduce noise and error, then position measurement accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the position measurement function into separate sensor modules (GNSS receiver, Doppler log, speed log, depth sounder), each handling a specific aspect of position measurement. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized independently while the logic device coordinates their combined output, managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The logic device serves multiple functions: it processes data from different sensor types, determines weighting factors, filters noise, and generates the final position measurement. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single coordinating component rather than requiring separate processing systems for each sensor.
3Reliability
If weighting factors are used to combine position sensor data, then noise and measurement errors are reduced, but the complexity of data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts weighting factors based on observed data quality parameters such as signal strength, consistency, and error characteristics. By changing these parameters in real-time, the system optimizes the combination of sensor data to maximize reliability while the logic device manages the computational complexity of parameter adjustment.
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
The system provides highly accurate and reliable position measurements, reducing noise and errors, and enabling more precise navigation and autopilot functions by integrating data from multiple sensors and using weighting factors to enhance data reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a position sensor coupled to a mobile structure and configured to provide a Doppler-derived velocity corresponding to motion of the mobile structure
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide relatively accurate position data from a plurality of separate position sensors. A system includes a logic device configured to communicate with a position sensor coupled to a mobile structure. The logic device is configured to receive positions of the position sensor and/or velocities corresponding to motion of the position sensor from the position sensor and determine an estimated relative position of the mobile structure based, at least in part, on the received Doppler-derived velocity and a prior estimated relative position of the mobile structure.