GNSS Ambiguity Resolution Using Multi-Engine Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current GNSS ambiguity resolution algorithms, such as the LAMBDA method, face challenges in ensuring successful ambiguity resolution due to poor geometry of satellites, leading to longer processing times and lower accuracy, especially in scenarios with poor satellite visibility and varying measurement quality.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a multi-engine search technique and adaptive residual threshold setting, which allows for parallel processing and dynamic adjustment of search spaces based on measurement errors and scenario parameters, to efficiently identify and eliminate incorrect candidates and improve the ambiguity resolution process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the LAMBDA algorithm is used for ambiguity resolution, then the processing can be performed in a single instantaneous search epoch, but the algorithm cannot provide assurance of successful ambiguity resolution and may fail due to poor satellite geometry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidambiguity resolution success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the ambiguity resolution process into multiple independent searching engines, each responsible for a specific subset of candidate solutions. This segmentation allows parallel processing while maintaining comprehensive search coverage, resolving the contradiction between fast processing and reliable resolution by distributing the search workload across multiple engines that operate simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing candidate solutions in a database before the actual positioning operation. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly retrieve and evaluate candidates during real-time processing, improving both speed and reliability by having pre-computed options ready for immediate use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If the LAMBDA algorithm performs instantaneous search, then the processing time is reduced, but the accuracy and reliability of ambiguity resolution deteriorate due to insufficient search thoroughness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by executing multiple search epochs in sequence, where each epoch performs a complete search through candidate solutions. This periodic repetition allows the system to thoroughly evaluate all possibilities multiple times, ensuring high accuracy while managing processing time through efficient epoch management and early termination when sufficient precision is achieved

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the search process adaptive and flexible, allowing the number of epochs and search depth to vary based on the specific measurement conditions and satellite geometry. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to allocate processing time efficiently, spending more time when needed for high accuracy and less time when rapid processing is sufficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If redundant satellites are used to improve positioning accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidalgorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex processing task by dividing redundant satellite data into manageable groups and assigning specific searching engines to process specific subsets. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual processing units while maintaining the benefits of using redundant satellites for improved accuracy through distributed computation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary structures such as candidate solution databases and standardized evaluation protocols that mediate between the raw redundant satellite measurements and the final positioning results. These intermediaries simplify the processing by providing structured frameworks for handling and evaluating redundant data, reducing overall algorithmic complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11686861B2Systems and methods for GNSS ambiguity resolution
Publication Date: 2023.06.27 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • US11686861B2 patent drawing
  • US11686861B2 patent drawing
  • US11686861B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for GNSS ambiguity resolution are described herein. In some examples, the systems and methods utilize multiple search engines in parallel to validate potential integer candidates for ambiguity resolution using adaptively adjusted residual thresholds.