GPS Location Accuracy via UTC Synchronization and Ionospheric Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inaccuracies such as ionospheric errors caused by atmospheric conditions decrease the precision of Global Positioning System (GPS) location calculations, and existing technologies do not effectively utilize location information for mobile devices to enhance application utility and sharing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method that synchronizes GPS data with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and retrieves offset values to adjust location coordinates, using a UTC server and augmentation server to calculate accurate location coordinates and store them for mobile devices, enabling enhanced location identification and sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS data is used for location calculation, then location information can be obtained, but ionospheric errors caused by atmospheric conditions decrease the precision of location calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an augmentation server as an intermediary between GPS satellites and mobile devices. This server receives GPS data, applies ionospheric error corrections using models like Klobuchar or NeQuick, and provides corrected location information. The intermediary processes the harmful ionospheric effects through mathematical models before the data reaches the end user, thereby resolving the precision issue without requiring changes to the GPS satellites or mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the augmentation server continuously monitors GPS signal conditions and adjusts ionospheric correction parameters accordingly. By comparing expected satellite positions with actual measurements and applying real-time corrections, the system compensates for ionospheric variations. This feedback loop ensures that location precision is maintained despite changing atmospheric conditions.
2Measurement precision
If GPS location calculations are performed without time synchronization, then location data can be obtained, but time inconsistencies reduce the accuracy of location determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary time synchronization by having the mobile device establish UTC time reference before performing GPS location calculations. The system pre-synchronizes internal clocks with GPS satellite time signals and maintains time stamps for all location measurements. This preliminary time setup ensures that all subsequent location calculations use consistent time references, eliminating time-related accuracy issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical clock synchronization with electromagnetic time signal transmission from GPS satellites. Instead of relying on physical clock adjustment mechanisms, the patent uses electronic time stamps and UTC coordination protocols to synchronize timing. This substitution provides more precise and automatic time synchronization, critical for accurate GPS location determination.
Data Source
AI summary
In an approach for identifying a location of a mobile device a processor receives a first set of Global Positioning System (GPS) data at a time, wherein the time is specified by the mobile device. A processor synchronizes the time with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). A processor retrieves offset values, wherein the offset values comprise one or more values to adjust one or more location coordinates based on the synchronized time, and wherein the offset values are determined by comparing a known set of location coordinates to a set of location coordinates calculated using another set of GPS data. A processor calculates location coordinates of the mobile device using the first set of GPS data and the offset values. A processor stores at least the location coordinates of the mobile device and the synchronized time.