Phased Array Radar Terrain Matching for Vehicle Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle location determining systems, such as GNSS and INS, face accuracy limitations due to operating conditions and errors, necessitating enhanced accuracy solutions for safe and precise vehicle operations, especially in automated systems like UAM/UAV.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle location accuracy enhancement system utilizing a digital active phased array radar to generate profiled terrain data, which is compared to a terrain database to provide profiled location solutions that augment and calibrate other location determining systems, such as GNSS, and broadcast location errors for improved accuracy and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS and INS systems are used for vehicle location determination, then location information can be obtained, but accuracy is limited due to operating conditions and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces terrain database as an intermediary reference system. The radar measures actual terrain features, which are then compared against the terrain database to determine vehicle location. This intermediary terrain reference system mediates between the direct satellite-based GNSS/INS systems and the final location determination, providing an alternative reference framework that is not subject to the same errors as satellite-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic/satellite-based GNSS and INS systems with a radar-based terrain measurement system. Instead of relying on satellite signals and inertial sensors, the system uses active radar to directly measure terrain features and compare them with a terrain database, substituting one measurement paradigm for another that is less susceptible to signal errors and operational limitations.
2Measurement precision
If radar system is added to generate profiled terrain data, then location accuracy is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system serves multiple functions: it measures terrain features for location determination, provides obstacle detection capability, and can function as an active sensing system independent of external signals. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the radar system by providing several benefits beyond just location accuracy enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own radar to measure terrain features and determine its location, rather than relying on external satellite systems. The vehicle essentially measures its own position relative to the terrain, making the system self-sufficient and not dependent on external infrastructure that may be unavailable or inaccurate.
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 enhances location accuracy by correcting errors and providing alternative waypoints, ensuring precise navigation and location determination even in conditions where primary systems fail, thereby improving safety and reliability in vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one digital active phased array radar is configured to generate a profiled terrain that includes terrain altitude information
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle location accuracy enhancement system is provided. A digital active phased array radar is configured to generate a profiled terrain including terrain altitude information. A controller is configured to implement operating instructions in memory to conduct profile matching between the generated profiled terrain from the at least one digital active phased array radar and terrain altitude profile information in a terrain database to determine profiled location solutions. The controller is further configured to at least augment sensor location solutions from at least one other location determining system, including a GNSS, with the profiled location solutions to enhance accuracy of the sensor location solutions. The controller is also configured to determine location errors in the GNSS based on the profiled location solution and to broadcast the determined location errors.