Software-Defined GNSS Receiver for High-Precision Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated GNSS chipsets in communication devices, such as cellular devices and two-way radios, often have limited capabilities and reduced positioning accuracy due to their low-end design and inability to process corrections, limiting their performance in providing full-range features and outputs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic tape measure system that utilizes a software-defined GNSS receiver operating on a processor outside the GNSS chipset, receiving and processing L1 and L2C GNSS signals to derive pseudorange and carrier measurements, and wirelessly communicating with another device to determine distances without requiring a position fix or geographical coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If integrated GNSS chipsets are used in communication devices, then device integration and portability are improved, but positioning accuracy and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the GNSS measurement function from the communication device by using a separate handheld GNSS receiver. The communication device handles data processing and display, while the specialized GNSS receiver handles signal reception and measurement, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a handheld GNSS receiver as an intermediary device between the satellite signals and the communication device. This intermediary captures raw GNSS measurements and transmits them to the communication device, which then processes the data to determine location information, thereby achieving high precision without embedding complex GNSS hardware in the communication device.
2Ease of manufacture
If low-end integrated GNSS chipsets are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but positioning accuracy and feature range deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld GNSS receiver serves itself by performing all critical GNSS signal processing and measurement functions independently. It captures raw measurements, processes them through its own processor, and generates location data without requiring the communication device to provide specialized GNSS processing capabilities, thereby maintaining high accuracy while keeping the communication device simple and inexpensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the need for expensive integrated GNSS chipsets in every communication device with a single, affordable handheld GNSS receiver that can serve multiple communication devices. This approach reduces overall system cost while maintaining high positioning accuracy through the specialized receiver.
3Device complexity
If integrated GNSS chipsets without correction processing capability are used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the correction processing capability from the communication device and places it in the handheld GNSS receiver. The receiver obtains correction data from augmentation systems, processes these corrections alongside raw GNSS measurements, and outputs corrected location information to the communication device, thereby achieving high accuracy without complicating the communication device.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency component receives and digitizes a first plurality of L1 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals and a second plurality of L2C GNSS signals from a plurality of GNSS satellites. A software defined GNSS receiver operating on a processor of a cellular telephone separate from the radio frequency component derives carrier phase measurements from the first plurality of L1 GNSS signals and the second plurality of L2C GNSS signals during an epoch. A wireless message from a communication device located at a base location is received conveying pseudorange and carrier measurements derived from the first plurality of L1 GNSS signals from said plurality of GNSS satellites during the epoch. The cellular telephone determines a distance from the base location to said first location.