Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A technique using pseudo-satellites, or 'pseudolites,' for resolving whole-cycle ambiguity that is inherent in phase-angle measurments of signals received from multiple satellite-based transmitters in a global positioning system. The relative position of a secondary receiving antenna with respect to a reference antenna is approximately known or approximately initially determined and then measurements from a minimum number of satellites are used to determine an initial set of potential solutions to the relative position of the secondary antenna that fall within a region of uncertainty surrounding the approximate position. Redundant measurements are taken from one or more pseudolites, and used to progressively reduce the number of potential solutions to close to one. Each pseudolite is positioned such that its angular position as seen from the secondary antenna changes rapidly as the antenna is moved along an intended path, thus providing rapidly changing redundant measurements, which are used to eliminate false solutions more quickly. The disclosed technique produces rapid elimination of false solutions and permits real-time computation of relative position in kinetic positioning applications.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim