Hybrid Spectral Compression Positioning in Obstructed Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite-based navigation systems, such as GPS, face challenges in obstructed environments due to weak signal strength, making it difficult to achieve accurate positioning, and the integration of GPS with real-time locating systems (RTLS) is costly and complex, lacking compatibility and practicality for broad usage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing hybrid spectral compression and cross-correlation signal processing that combines local area beacon-based positioning with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) to provide accurate physical state estimation, enabling effective positioning in both obstructed and unobstructed environments without the need for time and frequency synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If satellite-based navigation systems (GPS) are used, then positioning coverage is improved, but signal strength deteriorates in obstructed environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS satellite-based positioning with local RTLS (Real-Time Locating System) into a hybrid positioning system. The GPS receiver and local beacon system work together, where GPS provides wide-area coverage and local beacons provide reliable positioning in obstructed environments. The system integrates processing results from both systems to achieve continuous positioning capability across different environments.
2Measurement precision
If RTLS is integrated with GPS to provide positioning in obstructed environments, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the positioning system to perform multiple functions through a unified architecture. The same processing unit handles both GPS satellite signals and local beacon signals, and the system can operate in different modes (GPS-only, RTLS-only, or hybrid) depending on environmental conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Reliability
If high-power transmitters are used on orbit, then signal strength is improved, but operational feasibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces local beacons as intermediary devices between GPS satellites and the positioning receiver. These beacons receive weak GPS signals and re-transmit them with sufficient power for reliable reception in obstructed environments. This intermediary approach allows the use of low-power satellite transmitters while maintaining signal strength through local amplification and re-transmission.
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
This approach provides a cost-effective, high-accuracy positioning solution that is simple to implement and deploy, capable of operating in various environments, including indoors and outdoors, using a constellation of low-power beacons that can coexist with existing communication systems, enhancing flexibility and reducing installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
an interceptor that receives energy propagated through a transmission medium from the emitter, wherein the interceptor is configured to process the received emissions using spectral compression to produce a set of observables suitable for physical state estimation
Implementation Method 2
System and method for positioning using hybrid spectral compression and cross correlation signal processing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for positioning and navigation using hybrid spectral compression and cross correlation signal processing of signals of opportunity, which may include Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) as well as other wideband energy emissions in GNSS obstructed environments. Examples of these signals of opportunity include but are not limited to GPS, GLONASS, cellular Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communications signals, and 802.11 Wi-Fi. Combining spectral compression with spread spectrum cross correlation enables extraction of code and carrier observables without the need to implement the tracking loops (e.g. Costas tracking loop) commonly used in conventional GNSS receivers. For applications where dynamics and transmission medium may make it difficult to continuously track carrier phase, the hybrid approach of the present invention has significant utility.