GPS Engine Type Detection via UERE Hysteresis Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

The varying assumptions of GPS engines regarding satellite errors result in different Horizontal Figure of Merit (HFOM) values, necessitating the detection of GPS engine type to ensure optimal operation, especially with the deactivation of Selective Availability (SA), which affects GPS accuracy and compatibility across different systems.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing HFOM and Horizontal Dilution of Precision (HDOP) values to compute User Equivalent Range Error (UERE), filtered through a hysteresis process, to determine the GPS receiver type, allowing for appropriate threshold adjustments based on the engine type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the SA-on GPS engine is used, then the GPS accuracy is degraded to 55-100 meters, but the system maintains compatibility with older SA-on assumptions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidGPS accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts HFOM threshold values based on the detected GPS engine type. The threshold is set to 100 meters for SA-on engines and 18 meters for SA-off engines, allowing the system to adapt its acceptance criteria to match the capabilities of different GPS engines while maintaining operational compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the HFOM parameter threshold based on the detected engine type. By detecting whether the GPS receiver uses SA-on or SA-off engine and adjusting the HFOM threshold accordingly, the system optimizes position acceptance criteria to match the actual accuracy capabilities of each engine type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the SA-on/off GPS engine is used, then the GPS accuracy improves to 18-46 meters, but the system complexity increases due to multiple engine types

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGPS accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-detection of the GPS engine type by analyzing the relationship between HFOM and HDOP values. The detector automatically identifies whether the receiver uses SA-on or SA-off engine and configures appropriate thresholds without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the GPS receiver's reported HFOM and HDOP values to automatically detect the engine type and adjust the HFOM threshold accordingly. This closed-loop approach simplifies system operation by allowing the detector to self-configure based on the actual performance characteristics of the connected GPS receiver

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the Dynamic SA-on/off GPS engine is used, then the GPS accuracy is optimized to 10-18 meters, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring engine type increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGPS accuracyVSAvoidengine type detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex engine identification mechanisms with a mathematical analysis approach. By analyzing the relationship between HFOM and HDOP values through computation and filtering, the system detects engine type based on performance characteristics rather than requiring direct identification of the engine model or configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate detection of GPS engine type, optimizing system performance by setting appropriate HFOM limits, thereby enhancing GPS accuracy and compatibility, particularly in environments where SA is deactivated.

Implementation Method 1

The filtered UERE value is run through a hysteresis to determine the GPS receiver type

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHysteresis: Hysteresis

Data Source

PatentEP2016439B1Automatic detection of GPS sa base value for hfom
Publication Date: 2010.11.03 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP2016439B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2016439B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2016439B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and method for detecting the type of Selective Availability (SA) engine in a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The apparatus (30) reverse computes a User Equivalent Range Error (UERE) value and filters it. The filtered value is run through a hysteresis to determine the GPS engine type. The engine type determination is used to adjust values used by other systems.