UAV Positioning via PPP-RTK Fusion Without Network Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for determining the precise position of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are costly, time-consuming, and prone to human error, with limitations in accuracy due to atmospheric interference and the need for expensive ground control points and RTK networks.
Innovation Solution
The system uses a dual-frequency receiver at a base station and a UAV to collect satellite phase signals, combining precise point positioning and real-time kinematic satellite navigation to determine the UAV's position accurately without the need for expensive RTK correction data or ground control points, utilizing PPP correction data to correct for atmospheric interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional GPS location systems are used to determine UAV position, then the system avoids the need for ground control points, but atmospheric interference causes inaccuracies in position measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction system that uses a base station to receive satellite signals and calculate atmospheric error corrections. The base station acts as a mediator between the satellites and the UAV receiver, providing correction data that eliminates atmospheric interference effects on position measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring satellite signals at a base station with known position, calculating the difference between expected and actual signal measurements, and using this feedback to generate correction data that is transmitted to the UAV to improve positioning accuracy in real-time.
2Measurement precision
If RTK networks are used to correct atmospheric inaccuracies, then position accuracy improves, but the system becomes expensive and requires specialized training to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to be self-sufficient by allowing any base station with a known position to generate its own RTK correction data independently. The base station automatically calculates corrections from satellite signals and provides them to UAVs without requiring connection to external RTK networks or specialized service providers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive, permanently installed RTK network infrastructure with inexpensive, portable base stations that can be temporarily deployed as needed. These temporary base stations provide the same correction functionality without the high cost of established RTK network hardware and subscriptions.
3Measurement precision
If ground control points are used to identify UAV position, then position can be determined, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surveying system with an electronic satellite-based system. Instead of physically placing and measuring ground control points with surveying equipment, the system uses satellite signal measurements and electronic correction data to determine position, eliminating the need for physical ground markers and manual surveying processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the position of a UAV in flight. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the disclosed systems utilize real time kinematic and precise point positioning techniques to identify the position of a UAV without use of RTK correction data from an RTK network. Moreover, the disclosed systems and methods can precisely and accurately determine the absolute position of a base station and a UAV in flight at various times during a flight mission without use of RTK correction data from an RTK network. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods can utilize the absolute position of a UAV in flight to perform various aerial missions or tasks.