Navigation Satellite Orbit and Clock Determination with Low Latency Corrections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems face challenges in achieving high precision position determination due to limitations in cost, availability of base stations, and reliable signal transmission in differential mode navigation, and require improved navigation satellite correction information for accurate absolute mode navigation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining navigation satellite corrections, including satellite bias values, using a network of reference stations to process satellite navigation measurements and generate correction signals for navigation receivers, which facilitate accurate position determination by correcting orbital deviations and clock errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If differential mode navigation is used to achieve high precision positioning, then position determination accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase due to requirement of base stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the base station infrastructure requirement from the differential navigation system by implementing a networked reference station system where multiple reference stations collectively provide correction data. This eliminates the need for individual users to have dedicated base stations, reducing system complexity while maintaining high precision positioning capability through centralized correction data distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal correction data system where a network of reference stations serves multiple functions: collecting satellite signal data, computing correction parameters, and distributing corrections to multiple users simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows the system to serve many users without proportionally increasing complexity, enabling high precision positioning for multiple receivers through a shared infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If differential mode navigation is implemented to improve position accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to lack of base stations in sufficient locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a localized differential navigation approach to a networked, distributed system that operates on a broader spatial dimension. By establishing multiple reference stations across different locations and creating a networked correction data distribution system, the solution provides reliable high-precision positioning to users regardless of their specific location, as corrections can be obtained from the nearest or most suitable reference station in the network.
3Device complexity
If standard point positioning is used to reduce system complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but position determination accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces correction data as an intermediary element that bridges standard point positioning and high-precision differential navigation. The system maintains the simplicity of standard point positioning for users while introducing correction data computed from networked reference stations as a mediator. This intermediary correction data compensates for satellite orbit and clock errors, enabling users to achieve high precision positioning without implementing complex differential navigation infrastructure themselves.
4Measurement precision
If frequent satellite clock corrections are provided to improve position accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time decreases due to lower latency requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary computation and distribution of satellite clock correction parameters by the networked reference station system. Instead of waiting for users to request corrections, the system proactively computes and makes correction data available from the reference station network. This preliminary action reduces latency by having corrections ready in advance, allowing users to quickly obtain accurate positioning data without experiencing significant delays in correction delivery.
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with the received reference receiver measurement information, the system determines narrow-lane navigation solutions for the plurality of reference receivers (604). The system also determines, in accordance with the narrow-lane navigation solutions, at a first update rate, an orbit correction for each satellite (608); at a second update rate, a clock correction for each such satellite (610); and at a third update rate that is faster than the second update rate, an update to the clock correction for each such satellite (612). Further, the system generates navigation satellite corrections for each such satellite (614), including the orbit correction updated at the first update rate, and the clock correction that is updated at the third update rate.