GPS Data Phase Position Ambiguity Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset tracking systems face inefficiencies in processing position calculations at central locations due to position ambiguities caused by code phase measurements, leading to high computational requirements and resource usage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating data phase measurements alongside code phase measurements to reduce the number of possible positions, allowing the operations center to constrain candidate positions to those where both measurements align, thereby prioritizing the most likely position and significantly reducing computational resources needed for position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If code phase measurements are used for position calculation, then position information can be obtained, but position ambiguities arise leading to multiple possible positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces data phase measurements as an additional dimension to code phase measurements. By combining code phase (which provides range information) with data phase (which provides timing information within the code phase period), the system resolves ambiguities in position calculation. This dimensional addition transforms the solution from multiple possible positions to a unique position, directly addressing the position ambiguity problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses data phase as an intermediary measurement that bridges the gap between code phase measurements and actual position. The data phase acts as a mediator that provides additional timing information, allowing the system to distinguish between multiple possible positions generated by code phase alone. This intermediary measurement enables the operations center to constrain candidate positions to those where both measurements align.
2Measurement precision
If multiple candidate positions are processed to resolve ambiguities, then position accuracy improves, but computational resources and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by using data phase measurements to pre-constrain the set of candidate positions before final position calculation. By filtering out impossible positions in advance based on data phase alignment, the system reduces the number of positions that need full processing. This preliminary constraint application significantly decreases computational workload while maintaining position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using data phase measurements to provide partial resolution of position ambiguities rather than requiring complete processing of all possible positions. Instead of exhaustively evaluating every candidate position generated by code phase alone, the system uses data phase to selectively process only the most likely positions, reducing computational resources while achieving sufficient accuracy.
3Loss of information
If data phase measurements are incorporated alongside code phase measurements, then position ambiguities are reduced by a factor of 20, but measurement collection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using the same mobile terminal infrastructure to collect both code phase and data phase measurements. The existing GPS receiver and communication components are utilized to gather both types of measurements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement devices. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity while achieving the benefits of dual measurement collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by having the mobile terminal automatically extract and transmit both code phase and data phase measurements without requiring additional external equipment or complex manual configuration. The terminal's existing signal processing capabilities are sufficient to derive both measurement types from the same signal, allowing the system to serve itself by utilizing already-available resources rather than adding separate measurement collection subsystems.
Data Source
AI summary
A geographic tracking system with minimal power and size required at the mobile terminal collects observation data at the mobile terminal and forwards the data to a processor, which calculates the position. The mobile terminal is configured to measure both code phase and data phase of a GPS satellite signal. The code phase and data phase information enables the processor to reduce the number of candidate points to be considered.