Satellite Navigation Interference Detection via Time Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite radio-navigation signal receivers face measurement errors and positioning inaccuracies due to interference from narrow-band signals, with existing detection methods being slow to detect interference.

Innovation Solution

A method that calculates cross-correlation between shifted correlation measurements to identify interference, using a device with additional correlations performed beyond the duration of a slot of the spreading code, and normalizes the intercorrelation by autocorrelation energies to set a stable interference indicator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional interference detection methods based on aberrant measurement detection are used, then interference can be detected, but the detection time is too long between interference appearance and actual detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs correlation measurements at multiple time positions (ahead, at, and behind the maximum correlation point) in advance. By pre-calculating correlations at these shifted positions and storing them, the system is prepared to quickly compute the time correlation coefficient when interference detection is needed, eliminating the need for lengthy real-time analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/time-consuming measurement analysis with a mathematical approach using time correlation coefficient calculation. Instead of analyzing measurement sequences over time, the system uses cross-correlation between shifted correlation measurements to rapidly identify interference through coefficient comparison against thresholds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If correlation measurements are performed only at the maximum correlation position, then processing is simple, but interference detection capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing complexityVSAvoidinterference detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the correlation measurement process by performing measurements at multiple distinct time positions (ahead of maximum, at maximum, and behind maximum). This segmentation allows the system to capture different aspects of the signal and use their relationships (time correlation coefficient) to detect interference, improving reliability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the time correlation coefficient as an intermediary metric that relates correlation measurements taken at different time positions. This coefficient serves as a mediator that captures the relationship between shifted measurements and enables interference detection through threshold comparison, balancing complexity and detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This method allows for rapid detection of interference, reducing positioning errors by comparing the normalized intercorrelation indicator with a power ratio-based threshold, effectively distinguishing between signal synchronization and interference presence.

Implementation Method 1

a correlator 103 to perform a correlation of the signal S with a spreading code generated locally 104

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorrelation:

Data Source

PatentEP2869086B1Method for detecting interference in a satellite radio-navigation signal based on monitoring a time correlation coefficient
Publication Date: 2017.07.12 THALES SA
  • EP2869086B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2869086B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2869086B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for detecting interference in a satellite radio-navigation signal characterized in that it comprises the following steps: • Determining (201) the time position for which the correlation between said signal and a local spreading code offset by said position is maximum, • Calculating (202) information representative of the cross-correlation between at least a first measurement of the correlation of said signal with a local spreading code at a first time position ahead of the time position of said maximum by a duration greater than the duration of a spread code window and a second measurement of the correlation of said signal with a local spreading code at a second time position behind the time position of said maximum by a duration greater than the duration of a spread code window,• Compare (203) said information to a detection threshold configured at least according to the ratio of signal and interference powers.