Wide Area Differential Satellite Positioning with Local Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide area differential correction networks rely predominantly on geosynchronous satellites, which can be unreliable due to the distance of reference stations from mobile receivers, while local area systems are costly and prone to interference, necessitating a more efficient method for position determination.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a combination of wide area and local area networks, where local area differential information is used to initialize or re-initialize the wide area navigation algorithm, allowing continuous position determination with wide area networks and sparse use of local area corrections to minimize unreliability and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If wide area differential correction networks are used, then position determination is provided over a large area, but the reference stations are far from mobile receivers resulting in reduced accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the differential correction system into two complementary parts: a wide area network for broad coverage and a local area network for high-accuracy corrections near reference stations. This segmentation allows the system to leverage both the extensive coverage of wide area networks and the high reliability of local area corrections where available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the mobile receiver actively selects between wide area and local area differential corrections based on availability and reliability. The receiver uses local area corrections as an intermediary to improve accuracy when reference stations are nearby, while falling back to wide area corrections when local corrections are unavailable.
2Measurement precision
If local area differential correction systems are used, then position determination accuracy is improved, but the systems are more costly and subject to interference from terrestrial structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using local area differential corrections only when and where they are beneficial (i.e., when the mobile receiver is near a reference station and local corrections are available). The system does not continuously rely on expensive local area infrastructure but rather deploys it partially based on spatial proximity and availability, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal positioning system that can operate in multiple modes: using wide area corrections for general coverage, switching to local area corrections for enhanced accuracy when available, and seamlessly transitioning between the two. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high accuracy without being permanently constrained by the complexity and cost of local area infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If local area networks are used continuously, then position accuracy is maintained, but the system is more vulnerable to interference and unreliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the mobile receiver continuously monitors the availability and quality of differential correction signals. When the receiver detects interference or unavailability of local area corrections (such as when blocked by buildings or hills), it automatically switches to wide area corrections. This feedback loop ensures the system maintains accurate position determination while avoiding vulnerable local area infrastructure when interference is present.
Data Source
AI summary
Wide area corrections are used substantially continuously. Local area corrections are used once or sparsely. For example, an initial position is determined with local area corrections. Wide area corrections are subsequently used. The initial position information is used in the wide area position determination to limit or avoid delay for convergence. Other sparse uses of local area corrections include verifying or updating positions based on substantially continuous use of wide area corrections.