Positioning Device Reference Point Selection for Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

In satellite positioning systems, particularly in quasi-zenith satellite-based networks, the selection of electronic reference points for correcting positioning errors often results in quadrangles that are not square-shaped, leading to reduced accuracy in coastal or mountainous regions due to irregular grid point spacing.

Innovation Solution

A positioning device selects four electronic reference points such that the quadrangular area formed by these points includes the device and resembles a square, optimizing the selection process to ensure balanced distances and improve positioning accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electronic reference points are selected simply based on distance from the positioning device, then the selection process is simple, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates in coastal or mountainous regions due to irregular grid point spacing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of reference point selectionVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the selection criterion from a single parameter (distance) to multiple parameters including distances in longitudinal and lateral directions, and aspect ratio. This allows the system to evaluate reference points more comprehensively and select combinations that form quadrangles with aspect ratios close to 1, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through automated evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different selection criteria for different directional distances (longitudinal vs. lateral), recognizing that positioning accuracy requirements may vary by direction. By evaluating aspect ratios and selecting reference points that create balanced quadrangular shapes, the system optimizes local positioning quality in coastal and mountainous regions where grid points are irregularly spaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If four electronic reference points are selected in descending order of nearness to the positioning device, then the selection process is straightforward, but the quadrangular area formed may have high aspect ratio leading to reduced positioning accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of reference point selectionVSAvoidpositioning accuracy in longitudinal direction
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary evaluation of candidate reference points by calculating distances in both longitudinal and lateral directions, and computing aspect ratios before final selection. This preliminary action prevents selection of reference point combinations that would create highly elongated quadrangles, ensuring that the selected points form balanced geometric shapes suitable for accurate positioning correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses aspect ratio as a feedback criterion to evaluate whether selected reference points form geometrically suitable quadrangles. If the aspect ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system adjusts its selection to choose alternative reference points that create more square-like quadrangles, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while preserving selection efficiency through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If electronic reference points are selected to form quadrangles with low aspect ratio, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the selection process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of reference point selection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements automated evaluation and selection logic that calculates distances, aspect ratios, and geometric properties of candidate reference point combinations. The system self-evaluates potential selections against predetermined aspect ratio thresholds and automatically adjusts selections to meet accuracy requirements, thereby achieving high positioning accuracy without requiring complex manual intervention or sophisticated selection algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3163324B1Positioning device, positioning method, and program
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3163324B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3163324B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3163324B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A correction data creation section (102) selects, from among a plurality of combinations of four electronic reference points extracted from among five or more electronic reference points, a combination in which a quadrangular area formed by the four electronic reference points includes therein a current position of a positioning device (100) and a shape of the quadrangular area closely resembles a square, based on the current position of the positioning device (100) and a location of each of the electronic reference points.