PNT Sensor Relay Communication System for Satellite-Independent Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional object positioning and navigation systems rely on satellite navigation systems, which can fail or be compromised during electronic warfare attacks, leaving no method to determine object locations.
Innovation Solution
A PNT sensor short-range relay communication system comprising an electronic PNT sensor module and a mobile relay module that measures and transmits position data without satellite navigation, using sub-units like gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers, and communicates via low-power wireless transceivers to determine positions independently of satellite systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite navigation systems are used for positioning and navigation, then location determination capability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when satellites fail or are compromised by electronic warfare attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the positioning functionality into two independent segments: satellite-based positioning (when available) and inertial sensor-based positioning (when satellite signals are unavailable). This segmentation allows the system to maintain positioning capability through alternative means when the primary satellite navigation system is compromised or fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between satellite-based positioning mode and inertial navigation mode based on signal availability. When satellite signals are compromised, the system transitions to using inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to determine position, effectively changing the physical parameters used for measurement from electromagnetic signal reception to mechanical sensor measurement.
2Reliability
If inertial sensors are used to determine position without satellite systems, then reliability under attack is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both satellite navigation receiver capabilities and inertial sensor suite. This universal design allows the same device to operate in multiple modes: satellite-based positioning when signals are available, and inertial navigation when signals are compromised, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that coordinates between different positioning methods. It receives data from both satellite receivers and inertial sensors, processes the information, and determines the appropriate positioning method to use based on signal availability, thereby managing the complexity through centralized control logic.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated for autonomous positioning, then positioning reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers) into an integrated sensor package within the mobile device. This merging of sensors and their processing functions into a unified system reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high positioning reliability.
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
Enables reliable determination of object positions and navigation without satellite systems, ensuring continuous location tracking even when satellite navigation is unavailable, with compact and versatile implementation in various devices and applications.
Implementation Method 1
The PNT sensor module includes a gyroscope unit configured to sense an angular momentum and determine an orientation of the PNT sensor module based on the sensed angular momentum
Implementation Method 2
The PNT sensor module includes an accelerometer unit configured to sense speed and/or acceleration of the PNT sensor module
Implementation Method 3
The PNT sensor module includes a magnetometer unit configured to determine a magnetic field of the Earth and determine a position of the PNT sensor module based on the determined magnetic field
Implementation Method 4
The wireless transceiver is a low-power wireless transceiver configured to communicate the determined speed, direction, distance and/or time traveled
Data Source
AI summary
A PNT sensor short-range relay communication system includes an electronic PNT sensor module configured to determine a first position of the PNT sensor module and to output a PNT signal indicating a second position of the PNT sensor module with respect to the first position. A mobile relay module is in signal communication with the PNT sensor module. The mobile relay module is configured to communicate the PNT signal to at least one terminal device located remotely from the PNT sensor module and the mobile relay module. In this manner, positional information can be determined without relying on a satellite navigation system.