Positioning Method Switching for Satellite Signal Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning technologies face excessive network usage costs when switching to network-assisted methods due to momentary blocking of satellite signals in enclosed spaces, such as under pedestrian footbridges, leading to potential inaccuracies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A self-position acquisition device that switches between standalone and network-assisted positioning methods based on interruption periods and augmentation information validity, minimizing network usage by prioritizing standalone methods when possible and ensuring accurate positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the positioning method is switched to the network-assisted method every time a momentary blocking occurs, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but network usage cost increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidnetwork usage cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses onboard sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, odometer) to self-determine position during satellite signal blocking, reducing dependency on network-assisted positioning and minimizing network usage costs while maintaining positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system predicts future blocking events based on current position and map data, preparing by switching to alternative positioning methods before actual blocking occurs, thereby maintaining accuracy without excessive network usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If the standalone positioning method is used continuously, then network usage cost is minimized, but positioning accuracy deteriorates during satellite signal blocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork usage costVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes positioning method parameters based on satellite signal quality and predicted blocking conditions, switching between standalone and alternative methods to optimize both cost and accuracy under different conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the positioning method is switched based on signal quality thresholds, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but unnecessary switching occurs in enclosed spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning method switching complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of enclosure status using map data and current position information to predict future satellite signal blocking, enabling proactive switching decisions that reduce unnecessary method changes while maintaining positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors satellite signal quality and compares it with predicted conditions, using this feedback to make intelligent switching decisions that balance accuracy requirements with operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4657121A1Self-position acquisition device
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 ASTEMO LTD
  • EP4657121A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4657121A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4657121A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a self-position acquisition device with which it is possible, by performing positioning using a standalone positioning method whenever possible and minimizing use of a network-assisted method, to perform highly accurate positioning in a stable manner while minimizing cost. In the present invention, the positioning method is switched between a first positioning method (e.g., CLAS or HAS) for performing positioning on the basis of reception information for a positioning signal received from a positioning satellite and augmentation information for augmenting the reception information, and a second positioning method (network-assisted method) for performing positioning on the basis of the reception information and positioning assistance information received from a positioning server over a network, the switching being performed on the basis of an inhibition period in which accuracy is reduced and a validity period of the augmentation information in the first positioning method.