Multi-Antenna Satellite Navigation System Interference Rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite navigation systems face challenges in determining position and speed accurately with moving objects due to shadowing by the device itself and susceptibility to interference, particularly in military applications, where antennas with large sensitive areas are unsuitable as they capture interference from all directions.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple antennas, each with a limited sensitive area aligned in different directions, and a processing unit for data fusion that weights and filters navigation signals to exclude interference and ensure high signal quality, allowing for accurate position and speed determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an antenna with a spherical characteristic (360° sensitive area) is used, then the directional range from which navigation signals can be picked up is maximized, but the susceptibility to interference from all directions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the omnidirectional antenna system into multiple separate antennas, each with a limited sensitive area (less than 180°). These antennas are distributed around the device to collectively cover the sky area. This segmentation allows the system to maintain broad coverage while limiting the sensitive area of each individual antenna, thereby reducing susceptibility to interference from any single direction.
Solution Approach 2:
Each antenna in the patent is designed with a specific limited sensitive area oriented in a particular direction, rather than having uniform omnidirectional coverage. This local quality approach allows each antenna to be optimized for receiving signals from specific satellite directions while minimizing reception of interference from other directions, balancing coverage and interference rejection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas mounted at different locations are used, then the coverage of different directions is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antennas with limited sensitive areas into a unified navigation system where the antennas are strategically positioned around the device. This merging approach achieves comprehensive directional coverage without requiring complex switching mechanisms or ganged antenna arrangements, as each antenna operates independently but contributes to the overall positioning function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an antenna with limited sensitive area is used, then the susceptibility to interference is reduced, but the coverage of satellite signals is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total coverage requirement into multiple antenna elements, each with a limited sensitive area. By distributing these segmented antennas around the device, the system achieves comprehensive satellite coverage while maintaining low interference susceptibility for each individual antenna. The collective effect of all antennas provides full directional coverage without compromising interference rejection.
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 solution enables highly accurate and reliable satellite navigation with reduced interference impact, using inexpensive receivers and data fusion algorithms to enhance signal quality and exclude erroneous measurements.
Implementation Method 1
at least two antennas (A1 to An) for receiving the radio signals containing the navigation data, the antennas having sensitive areas that are aligned in different directions, so that the antennas each receive radio signals from another of the different directions
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device has antennas (22, 24) receiving radio signals containing navigation data and including sensitive regions (22', 24'). Receivers are associated to each antenna for radio signals containing navigation data, and determine navigation data from the received radio signals. A processing unit guides the data determined from the receiver, determines the position and velocity from the data and delivers the position and velocity data to an outputting unit. The processing unit includes a fusion unit for fusion of the data received from the receivers. An independent claim is also included for a method for determining position and/or velocity of an apparatus in a system for satellite navigation.