Integrated GNSS Antenna with Sensor Fusion and Single-Cable Data Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GNSS antenna systems face challenges in reliable signal reception due to obstacles, leading to inaccurate positioning and orientation measurements, especially when integrated into movable objects, and lack efficient two-way data exchange between the antenna and receiver, limiting synchronization and firmware updates.
Innovation Solution
An integrated GNSS antenna with built-in sources and receivers of additional information, enabling two-way communication over a single RF cable through specially configured transceivers, allowing for the transmission of GNSS signals and additional data, such as sensor readings and firmware updates, while using frequency-selective techniques to separate signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna is used for GNSS reception, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to determine orientation and maintain reliability under obstacle blockage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GNSS antenna with additional information sources (inertial sensors, magnetic sensors, barometric pressure sensors) into an integrated antenna assembly. This merging allows the system to maintain positioning and orientation capabilities even when GNSS signals are blocked, as the additional sensors provide complementary data that can be fused to compensate for signal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated antenna assembly serves multiple functions: it receives GNSS signals for positioning, captures inertial data for orientation and velocity measurement, detects magnetic field information, and measures barometric pressure. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide robust navigation solutions across diverse operating conditions without requiring separate sensor systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional cables are added for data exchange between antenna and receiver, then the communication capability is improved, but the mechanical complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication functions into a single cable interface. The antenna assembly transmits both GNSS signal data and additional sensor data (inertial, magnetic, barometric) through one unified cable connection to the receiver, eliminating the need for separate cables for each data type and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable interface serves multiple communication purposes: it carries GNSS navigation signals, transmits additional sensor measurements, and enables bidirectional control between the antenna assembly and receiver. This universal interface replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized connections.
3Device complexity
If GNSS signals are used alone for navigation, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the measurement precision and orientation determination capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges GNSS positioning data with inertial measurement unit (IMU) data, magnetic sensor data, and barometric pressure data into an integrated navigation solution. This combination allows the system to determine precise orientation (roll, pitch, yaw) and position by fusing multiple data sources, overcoming the limitations of GNSS alone which cannot provide accurate orientation information.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy of GNSS positioning by enabling continuous correction of inertial navigation errors and facilitates efficient two-way data exchange, improving orientation determination and reducing mechanical complexity by eliminating the need for additional cables.
Implementation Method 1
using frequency-selective techniques to separate signals
Data Source
AI summary
An improved GNSS antenna having an integrated antenna element in combination with a plurality of built-in sources of additional data and/or a plurality of devices for receiving additional information for exchanging the information and transmission of GNSS signals from the antenna element to a GNSS receiver over a single RF cable.