GNSS Signal Search Window for Spoofing-Resistant Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing GNSS systems are vulnerable to spoofing attacks, where adversaries inject falsified signals to control a victim's GPS device, leading to incorrect location determination with potential significant consequences.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for determining a mobile device's location using GNSS signals resistant to spoofing by employing a non-GNSS position based on non-GNSS data sources, identifying frequency and code phase deviations, and utilizing a search window to acquire and track legitimate GNSS signals, excluding spoofing signals through grid-based or loop-based tracking techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional GNSS signal acquisition methods are used, then the system can obtain location information, but the system becomes vulnerable to spoofing attacks causing incorrect location determination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determination reliabilityVSAvoidspoofing signal susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by determining a non-GNSS position using alternative data sources before acquiring GNSS signals. This preliminary position information is used to establish expected frequency and code phase parameters, creating a reference framework before the actual GNSS signal acquisition occurs, thereby preventing spoofing signals from establishing false position locks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring whether received GNSS signals fall within expected frequency and code phase ranges based on the non-GNSS position. When signals deviate from expected parameters, the system detects potential spoofing and adjusts its acquisition strategy, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to maintain reliable location determination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the system uses non-GNSS data sources to determine position, then resistance to spoofing is improved, but the complexity of the positioning system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-spoofing capabilityVSAvoidpositioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The non-GNSS position determination system acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between raw sensor data and GNSS signal acquisition. Rather than directly using GNSS signals for positioning, the system first obtains position information from alternative sources (such as inertial sensors, map matching, or cellular triangulation) and uses this intermediate information to guide the GNSS signal processing, thereby reducing direct susceptibility to spoofing while managing system complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12493122B2Determining correct location in the presence of GNSS spoofing

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A method of determining a location of a mobile device in the presence of a spoofing signal includes obtaining current position information associated with the mobile device, determining a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal search window for acquiring GNSS signals associated with a satellite based on the current position information, searching a GNSS signal associated with the satellite based on the GNSS signal search window, and determining updated position information of the mobile device based on at least information of the GNSS signal associated with the satellite.