Enhanced Positioning Algorithm of ARPS for Improving Accuracy and Expanding Service Coverage

Area of Science:

• Navigation Systems
• Signal Processing
• Geomatics Engineering

Background:

• Airborne relay-based positioning system (ARPS) offers an alternative positioning method.
• Existing ARPS has limitations including significant vertical error and restricted service coverage due to unidirectional relay signals and reliance solely on relayed data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an enhanced positioning algorithm for ARPS to overcome performance limitations.
• To improve positioning accuracy and expand service coverage of the ARPS.

Main Methods:

• Developed an algorithm with adaptable use of virtual or direct reference station measurements.
• Algorithm divides into cases based on signal availability: using virtual measurements when signals exceed four, and direct measurements when signals are insufficient.
• Re-estimation of user position integrates virtual measurements after initial estimation, contingent on error analysis.

Main Results:

• Achieved higher accuracy by integrating measurements from airborne relays and ground stations.
• Expanded service coverage by utilizing direct reference station measurements when airborne relay signals are insufficient.
• Simulation results validate the enhanced algorithm's performance improvements.

Conclusions:

• The enhanced algorithm effectively improves ARPS accuracy and coverage.
• Adaptable use of measurement types is key to overcoming ARPS limitations.
• This approach provides a more robust and versatile positioning solution.