Electromagnetic Vehicle Navigation Using Multi-Transmitter Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
GPS and INS systems face inaccuracies and unreliability due to signal noise, blockages, and drift, making them insufficient for precise navigation in certain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system using electromagnetic signals from existing sources like radio stations, television stations, and Wi-Fi transmitters, which employs multiple antennas and a navigation module to determine position and heading by calculating relative orientations and intersections of virtual lines formed between signal sources and a receiver, thereby improving accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receivers are used for navigation, then position determination is provided, but accuracy deteriorates due to signal noise and blockages from structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple navigation systems (GPS, INS, and electromagnetic signal-based navigation) into a unified navigation system that leverages the strengths of each while compensating for their individual weaknesses, thereby improving both accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic signals from existing infrastructure (radio stations, television stations, Wi-Fi transmitters) as an intermediary navigation aid that can operate independently of GPS satellites, providing a reliable backup and supplement when GPS signals are blocked or noisy
2Duration of action of moving object
If INS systems are used for navigation, then continuous position tracking is provided, but accuracy deteriorates due to drift accumulation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the electromagnetic signal-based navigation system periodically provides position corrections to the INS system, resetting the accumulated drift and maintaining long-term accuracy while preserving continuous navigation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes a network of electromagnetic signal sources throughout the environment, creating a ready-to-use reference framework that can immediately correct INS drift when needed, without requiring real-time setup or calibration
3Reliability
If GPS signals are blocked by structures, then navigation continuity is maintained through alternative means, but position determination becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal navigation system that can function using multiple signal sources (GPS satellites, electromagnetic signals from radio/television/Wi-Fi transmitters) depending on environmental conditions, ensuring position determination capability is maintained across diverse scenarios including urban canyons, tunnels, and areas with GPS blockage
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances navigation accuracy and reliability by utilizing existing signal sources, providing position and heading determination even when GPS is unavailable or unreliable, and mitigating drift in INS systems.
Implementation Method 1
receive electromagnetic signals including at least one of microwaves or radio waves
Data Source
AI summary
A system to determine position and/or heading may include a receiver including at least two antennas configured to be coupled to the vehicle and receive electromagnetic signals including at least one of microwaves or radio waves. The system may also include a navigation module configured to determine first and second locations associated with respective first and second transmitters that send respective first and second signals. The navigation module may also be configured to determine, based at least in part on the first signals, a first relative orientation of the receiver relative to the first transmitter, and determine, based at least in part on the second signals, a second relative orientation of the receiver relative to the second transmitter. The navigation module may also be configured to determine a position and/or heading of the vehicle based at least in part on the first and second relative orientations of the receiver.