Mobile GNSS Receiver Ionospheric Data Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ionospheric modeling for satellite navigation is limited by the sparsity of ground station networks, leading to inaccurate and less granular models of ionospheric conditions due to the dynamic nature of the ionosphere, which affects radio signal propagation and precision in determining navigation receiver locations.
Innovation Solution
A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver system with enhanced radio frequency hardware and software-defined capabilities captures ionospheric data through multiple frequencies (L1, L2C, L5) to derive precise ionospheric samples, which are then transmitted to create more accurate and granular models of ionospheric conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground station networks are used for ionospheric data collection, then ionospheric modeling can be performed, but the network sparsity leads to inaccurate and less granular models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile GNSS receivers to create portable copies of ionospheric data collection capability. Instead of requiring fixed ground stations, the system deploys mobile receivers that can be positioned anywhere to capture ionospheric samples, effectively multiplying the network density without adding permanent infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static ground station networks to dynamic mobile data collection. The mobile GNSS receivers can be deployed flexibly based on ionospheric conditions and research needs, allowing the network to adapt its configuration and positioning dynamically to optimize data collection coverage and density.
2Quantity of substance
If mobile GNSS receivers are used for ionospheric data collection, then network density can be increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile GNSS receivers perform multiple functions: they provide navigation positioning, capture ionospheric data through multi-frequency signal analysis, and communicate with central processing systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated equipment, managing system complexity while expanding capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central processing system that acts as an intermediary between the mobile GNSS receivers and the final ionospheric models. This intermediary handles the complex data processing, coordination, and integration tasks, allowing the mobile devices to remain relatively simple while achieving sophisticated overall system performance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple frequencies (L1, L2C, L5) are used for data capture, then ionospheric sample precision is improved, but radio frequency hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio frequency processing into distinct functional components: signal reception at multiple frequencies, ionospheric delay calculation, and data transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall hardware architecture by dividing complex functions into manageable modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the different frequency parameters of L1, L2C, and L5 signals to extract ionospheric information. By analyzing how signals at different frequencies experience different delays through the ionosphere, the system can precisely characterize ionospheric conditions without requiring complex additional hardware, leveraging the natural parameter differences of existing GNSS signals.
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
The system enables a denser reporting network for ionospheric data collection, improving the accuracy and precision of ionospheric modeling, leading to better satellite navigation corrections and position fixes.
Implementation Method 1
The ionosphere has major importance to us because, among other functions, it influences radio propagation to distant places on the Earth, and between satellites and Earth
Implementation Method 2
the ionosphere slows down radio signals from orbiting navigation satellites, resulting in a timing error causing the pseudorange to appear to be longer than it really is
Data Source
AI summary
A method for capturing ionospheric data is disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of phase-coherent signals transmitted by at least one Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellite is received via a mobile multi-frequency GNSS receiver. Respective code phase data and carrier phase data for each of said plurality of phase-coherent signals are derived using a software defined GNSS receiver operating on a processor of a first communication device of the multi-frequency GNSS receiver. Respective code phase data and carrier phase data for each of the plurality of phase-coherent signals is stored in a data storage device. The respective code phase data and carrier phase data is appended with a respective time-stamp and position fix. An ionospheric sample based upon respective code phase data and carrier phase data of said plurality of phase-coherent signals is wirelessly transmitted to a second location.