Vessel Positioning Ambiguity Detection via Dead-Reckoning Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vessel positioning systems using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) face challenges in detecting ambiguities caused by artificial errors and signal interference, which can lead to inaccurate positioning information, making it difficult for users to recognize inaccuracy in vessel position data.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that compares orbit information of GNSS satellites with dead-reckoning data using a direction sensor and speed sensor to detect ambiguities by calculating predicted distances and pseudoranges, monitoring for errors in satellite signals, and using equations to determine vessel positions before and after a specific time interval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If GNSS satellite signals are used for vessel positioning, then positioning coverage over the entire earth is achieved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to artificial errors and signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism that compares GNSS positioning results with independent dead-reckoning calculations. This intermediary check acts as a mediator to detect and filter out inaccurate positioning data caused by artificial errors or signal interference, while maintaining the broad coverage advantage of GNSS systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the consistency between GNSS-derived position and dead-reckoning position. When discrepancies exceed predetermined thresholds, the system generates feedback signals to alert users or switch to alternative positioning methods, thereby maintaining accuracy while preserving coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If dead-reckoning is used to calculate vessel position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and calculations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using dead-reckoning only as a verification tool rather than the primary positioning method. The system performs dead-reckoning calculations only when needed to check GNSS accuracy, rather than continuously relying on it, thus reducing the complexity burden while maintaining accuracy improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The dead-reckoning module serves multiple functions: it provides alternative positioning when GNSS fails, verifies GNSS accuracy through comparison, and can operate independently for navigation. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile positioning capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If continuous monitoring of positioning errors is implemented, then reliability of positioning information is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by monitoring positioning errors at specific intervals rather than continuously. The error detection occurs at predetermined time intervals or when certain conditions are met, providing reliable positioning verification while minimizing processing time and computational overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the dead-reckoning calculation framework and error threshold criteria before actual positioning operations. This preparation allows for rapid error detection and verification during operation, reducing real-time processing requirements while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9638806B2System and method for detecting ambiguities in satellite signals for GPS tracking of vessels
Publication Date: 2017.05.02 KOREA INSTITUTE OF OCEAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
  • US9638806B2 patent drawing
  • US9638806B2 patent drawing
  • US9638806B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system for detecting ambiguities in a satellite signal for the GPS tracking of vessels, which includes: a GNSS receiving unit obtaining a vessel position using a plurality of satellites; a vessel position calculating unit calculating a second vessel position from a first vessel position after a specific amount of time elapses using dead-reckoning; a distance calculating unit calculating prediction distances between each of the satellites and the vessel and an error monitoring unit comparing the calculated prediction distances between the satellites and the vessel, and pseudoranges between the satellites and the GNSS receiving unit at the second vessel position, and monitoring for the occurrence of errors at the satellites on the basis of the existence of an increase in errors at each of the satellites.