External GNSS Receiver Module with MEMS Sensor Suite for Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld wireless devices face challenges in achieving precise location determination due to power consumption constraints, reduced antenna design optimality, and increased space demands from additional devices, leading to less accurate and slower position fixes.
Innovation Solution
An external GNSS receiver module with a circularly polarized antenna and MEMS sensor suite, capable of improved signal reception and centimeter-level precision, is used in conjunction with Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) corrections and Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) signals to enhance location determination accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If GNSS receivers are designed to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the GNSS receiver into two operational modes: a low-power mode for initial acquisition and a high-precision mode for accurate positioning. The mobile device switches between these modes based on whether precise location data is required, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by using inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) to predict device motion and pre-calculate position updates. This allows the GNSS receiver to operate at lower power by taking fewer measurements, while the inertial sensors continuously provide position estimates based on predicted motion, maintaining acceptable precision without continuous high-power GNSS operation.
2Measurement precision
If antenna design is optimized for precision, then measurement precision improves, but device space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple sensing technologies (GNSS receiver, inertial measurement unit with accelerometers and gyroscopes, and magnetometer) into a single integrated sensor suite. This combination allows the use of smaller, less optimal antennas while maintaining overall positioning precision through sensor fusion, thereby reducing the space required for antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The inertial sensors serve as intermediaries that bridge gaps in GNSS signal reception. When the GNSS antenna receives weak or interrupted signals, the inertial sensors provide continuous position estimation based on device motion, compensating for the reduced antenna performance and maintaining measurement precision without requiring larger antenna space.
3Loss of time
If faster position fix is achieved, then time to fix is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the position update frequency and measurement sampling rate based on device motion state. During periods of high motion (detected by inertial sensors), the system increases update frequency to maintain precision despite faster movement. During stationary or low-motion periods, it reduces update frequency, achieving faster effective position fixes while maintaining precision when the device is stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring inertial sensor data to detect device motion and stability. This feedback loop allows the GNSS receiver to adjust its operation in real-time, increasing measurement frequency when motion is detected (to maintain precision during movement) and reducing frequency when stationary (achieving faster fixes). The feedback mechanism ensures that measurement precision is maintained during critical moments while reducing overall time to fix during stable periods.
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 solution provides improved sensitivity and precision in determining the location of handheld devices, achieving approximately 1-meter accuracy and enabling centimeter-level precision with RTK corrections, while reducing the time to fix and conserving power.
Implementation Method 1
An external GNSS receiver module with a circularly polarized antenna and MEMS sensor suite, capable of improved signal reception
Implementation Method 2
The MEMS sensor suite 105 is configured to detect the motion of the GNSS receiver module 100
Implementation Method 3
capable of improved signal reception and centimeter-level precision, is used in conjunction with Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) corrections and Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) signals to enhance location determination accuracy
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A method of determining what operation a user desires to be performed with relation to collection of global navigation satellite system, GNSS, data, said method comprising: receiving at a handheld wireless device via a wireless communication component an indication of motion of a sensing device located apart from said handheld wireless device; receiving at said handheld wireless device, via said wireless communication component, GNSS data recorded by a GNSS receiver configured to at least generate raw GNSS observables, at a time said indication of the motion of said sensing device was detected; and accessing a gesture library and, if the received indication of motion matches a motion profile stored in the gesture library, determining the operation which is correlated with that particular motion profile as the operation which the user desired to be performed with the GNSS data collected by said GNSS receiver at the time said indication of the motion is detected.