GNSS Ensemble Error Correction for Consumer Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer-grade GNSS devices lack the precision of commercial-grade devices due to constraints in antennas, receivers, processors, software/firmware, and power sources, limiting their positional accuracy to several meters, which restricts their usage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses error corrections calculated from the location information of other GNSS devices, forming a network to improve positional accuracy through an algorithm that collects and processes signal data from a subset of devices with similar characteristics, enabling centimeter-level accuracy without requiring purpose-built components or base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If consumer-grade GNSS devices use standard components (antennas, receivers, processors), then device cost and accessibility are reduced, but positional accuracy deteriorates to several meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from multiple consumer-grade GNSS devices into an ensemble to achieve accurate positioning. By merging observations from N devices, the system achieves centimeter-level accuracy that would be impossible for individual consumer devices, effectively combining weak individual signals into a strong collective result
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that collects raw GNSS data from multiple consumer devices, applies sophisticated algorithms to calculate ensemble corrections, and returns corrected positioning information. This intermediary layer transforms inaccurate individual measurements into accurate collective results
2Measurement precision
If commercial-grade GNSS devices use purpose-built components, then positional accuracy improves to centimeter-level, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables consumer-grade devices to achieve commercial-grade accuracy through self-service mechanisms. Devices participate in an ensemble where collective data processing and error correction algorithms allow each device to benefit from the combined precision of the group without requiring expensive purpose-built components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from individual device hardware quality to collective data processing quality. By shifting the source of accuracy from component specifications to ensemble calculation methods, the system achieves high precision with standard consumer components
3Device complexity
If consumer-grade GNSS devices operate independently without network collaboration, then device simplicity is maintained, but positional accuracy remains limited to several meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning problem into individual device observations and collective ensemble results. Each device independently collects data, then the segmented observations are combined through ensemble processing to achieve accuracy unattainable by any single device operating alone
Data Source
AI summary
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) accuracy improvement for GNSS-equipped mobile end user devices using error corrections calculated from the location information of other GNSS-equipped mobile end user devices. An algorithm in which GNSS signal data received by a network of GNSS-equipped mobile end user devices is collected and sent to a GNSS location correction engine, which calculates an ensemble error correction for the network and transmits the error correction to the GNSS-equipped mobile end user devices in the network. Implementations of the system and method may include selection of subsets of devices for inclusion in the calculations based on device location, time, hardware, and other factors.