Virtual Satellite Ranging for GNSS Positioning Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GNSS systems, such as GPS, face accuracy degradation when satellite visibility is poor or when fewer than four satellites are operational, which is a challenge in applications requiring continuous and reliable positioning, like vehicle guidance in agriculture or mining.
Innovation Solution
The integration of Inertial Navigation System (INS) data is converted into virtual satellite ranging data, combined with actual satellite ranging data, to enable seamless processing and maintain accurate positioning solutions using traditional GPS processing techniques, even when fewer than four satellites are visible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional GPS processing techniques are used requiring at least four satellites, then positioning accuracy is maintained under normal conditions, but positioning availability deteriorates when satellite visibility is poor or fewer than four satellites are operational
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces INS data as an intermediary element that mediates between the satellite ranging data and the positioning solution. When fewer than four satellites are visible, the INS data serves as a substitute for missing satellite measurements, enabling the GPS processing module to compute positioning solutions under degraded satellite visibility conditions while maintaining positioning availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the input parameters of the GPS processing module by substituting actual satellite ranging data with INS-derived virtual satellite ranging data when satellite visibility is poor. This parameter substitution allows the system to maintain positioning accuracy by using INS data with controlled error growth to replace missing or degraded satellite measurements
2Reliability
If INS data is integrated to provide continuous positioning, then positioning availability is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the GPS processing module multi-functional by enabling it to process both actual satellite ranging data and INS-derived virtual satellite ranging data through the same processing algorithms. This universal processing approach allows the existing GPS processing module to handle degraded conditions without requiring separate processing paths, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual satellite ranging data that copies the structure and format of actual satellite ranging data. By generating INS-derived measurements that mimic the appearance and organization of genuine satellite observations, the system can process INS data through standard GPS processing algorithms without requiring complex custom processing logic
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning method whereby inertial positioning data is calculated based upon measurements of an Inertial Navigation System. Virtual satellite ranging data is then generated based upon the inertial positioning data. The virtual satellite ranging data is then combined with received satellite ranging data from one or more satellites forming part of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). A GNSS positioning solution is then calculated based upon the combined received satellite ranging data and the virtual satellite ranging data.