Hybrid GNSS Positioning With Wireless Ranging for Height Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite positioning systems, such as GPS, suffer from low measurement accuracy in the height direction and are influenced by environmental factors, particularly in high-place work environments.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a mobile wireless device and a fixed wireless device, utilizing satellite positioning for initial position measurement, calculating distances between the devices based on communication propagation time, and correcting clock and phase deviations to enhance position specification accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If satellite positioning system is used to measure worker position, then positioning coverage is provided, but measurement accuracy in height direction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition measurement accuracyVSAvoidheight measurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines satellite positioning system with wireless communication-based distance measurement to create a hybrid positioning system. The satellite system provides broad coverage while the wireless distance measurement (using propagation time of communication signals between mobile and fixed devices) supplements height accuracy, resolving the contradiction between coverage and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary mechanism between the mobile device and fixed reference points. By measuring propagation time of communication signals, the system creates an additional measurement dimension that compensates for satellite positioning weaknesses in height direction, improving overall measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If satellite positioning system is used for position measurement, then outdoor positioning is enabled, but measurement accuracy decreases in complex environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidposition measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic positioning system that adapts to environmental conditions by switching between satellite positioning and wireless communication-based measurement. In environments where satellite signals are weak or inaccurate, the system dynamically uses communication propagation time measurement to maintain positioning accuracy, thus resolving the contradiction between environmental adaptability and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If distance is calculated using propagation time of communication, then positioning accuracy is improved, but time deviation between internal clocks affects measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime synchronization reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile device transmits its calculated position information back to the server. The server uses this feedback to adjust and correct time deviation between internal clocks of mobile and fixed devices, thereby improving the reliability of time synchronization and maintaining distance measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex hardware time synchronization mechanisms with a software-based correction system. Instead of requiring physically synchronized clocks, the system uses communication signals to measure propagation time and calculates time deviations, then applies software corrections to maintain measurement precision.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4692857A1Positioning system employing GNSS and distance
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 THE CHUGOKU ELECTRIC POWER CO INC
  • EP4692857A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4692857A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4692857A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel system. Provided is a system comprising a mobile wireless device, and a fixed wireless device fixed at a predetermined position, the system comprising a satellite-based position measurer that measures a position of the mobile wireless device by a satellite positioning system; a wireless device distance calculator that calculates a distance between the mobile wireless device and the fixed wireless device on a basis of a propagation time of communication between the mobile wireless device and the fixed wireless device; and a position specifier that specifies the position of the mobile wireless device on a basis of the position measured by the satellite-based position measurer and the distance calculated by the wireless device distance calculator. Also, provided is a system comprising a mobile wireless device, and a fixed wireless device fixed at a predetermined position, the system comprising a satellite distance calculator that calculates a distance between a satellite and the mobile wireless device by a satellite positioning system; a wireless device distance calculator that calculates a distance between the mobile wireless device and the fixed wireless device on a basis of a propagation time of communication between the mobile wireless device and the fixed wireless device; and a position specifier that specifies a position of the mobile wireless device on a basis of the distance calculated by the satellite distance calculator and the distance calculated by the wireless device distance calculator.