GNSS Validation Fusion System for Multipath Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are susceptible to interference from environmental and electronic sources, leading to inaccurate location estimation due to multipath reflections, signal blocking, and intentional jamming or spoofing, which existing technologies struggle to effectively mitigate.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a fusion system that combines GNSS inputs with location sensors and map data to adjust or reject GNSS signals based on environmental interference, employing Bayesian filters like Kalman filters to integrate disparate sensor data and maintain navigation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS signals are used for location estimation, then location data can be obtained, but the accuracy is reduced due to multipath reflections and signal blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation system that sits between the GNSS receiver and the final location output. This system includes a validation module that receives GNSS location data and compares it against expected geographic constraints and sensor data. The intermediary validates whether the GNSS signal makes sense given the environment and device state, and only accepts it if validation passes, thereby filtering out multipath reflections and blocked signals while maintaining accurate location estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the validation system continuously monitors GNSS signal quality and provides feedback to adjust the location output. The system compares current GNSS readings with historical data, device orientation sensors, and geographic constraints to determine if a signal is valid. This feedback loop allows the system to reject inaccurate signals and maintain high location accuracy even in challenging environments with signal interference.
2Reliability
If GNSS signals are used for location estimation, then location data can be obtained, but the reliability is reduced due to jamming and spoofing
Solution Approach 1:
The validation system acts as an intermediary layer that scrutinizes GNSS signals before accepting them as truthful location data. It compares signal characteristics against known patterns of legitimate satellite signals and detects anomalies indicative of jamming or spoofing. The system validates signal strength, position logic, and consistency with device motion to determine reliability, blocking malicious signals while allowing authentic ones to pass through.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms that continuously assess signal authenticity by comparing GNSS outputs against sensor data from accelerometers, gyroscopes, and geographic constraints. When inconsistencies are detected—such as impossible movements or signals that contradict device orientation—the validation module generates feedback to reject the signal, maintaining high reliability even in the presence of intentional interference.
3Measurement precision
If GNSS filters are applied to improve accuracy, then location precision improves, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the validation functionality into distinct, modular components: a validation module that operates independently from the GNSS receiver, a comparison logic that handles different validation types (geographic, sensor-based, signal-quality), and an output control mechanism. This segmentation allows the complex validation logic to be organized into manageable pieces that can be implemented and maintained more easily, reducing the practical complexity burden despite the enhanced precision capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method of validating an output from a GNSS at a receiver including a fusion system comprising location sensors. A location estimate and a location error estimate are computed. A navigation update including a sensor location estimate and sensor location error estimate is also computed with the fusion system based on sensor measurements from the location sensors. A determination is made as to whether or not GNSS filters should be applied based at least on the location estimate, the sensor location estimate, and the sensor location error estimate. When GNSS filters should be applied, the location estimate and/or the location error estimate may be adjusted or rejected and a new navigation update may be computed with the fusion system based on the adjustment or rejection. When the GNSS filters should not be applied, the new navigation update is computed with the location estimate and the location error estimate.