Embedded Magnetic Maps in Image Files for GNSS-Denied Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
GNSS navigation systems face reliability issues in environments with signal interference or obstruction, leading to navigation failures.
Innovation Solution
Embedding magnetic maps, such as GeoTIFF-formatted images with magnetic field data, into existing navigation systems to provide an additional independent source of navigation data, enhancing reliability and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GNSS systems are used for navigation, then position and time data can be obtained, but reliability deteriorates in environments with signal obstruction or interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic field measurements as an intermediary data source to bridge navigation capabilities when GNSS signals are blocked. Magnetometers measure local magnetic field anomalies that serve as a mediator for determining position and orientation in environments where satellite signals cannot penetrate, such as urban canyons, tunnels, and indoor spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from relying solely on electromagnetic satellite signals to utilizing magnetic field parameters for navigation. By measuring magnetic field strength and direction components (BX, BY, BZ) and comparing them against pre-stored magnetic maps, the system changes the physical parameter basis for navigation from radio wave propagation to magnetic field interaction, enabling operation in signal-denied environments.
2Productivity
If magnetic maps are embedded into image files, then navigation data can be stored and transmitted efficiently, but data format complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges magnetic navigation data with existing image file structures by embedding magnetic map information into GeoTIFF metadata fields. This combination allows magnetic field data (BX, BY, BZ components) to be stored alongside geographic coordinate information in a unified data structure, enabling simultaneous processing of both visual and magnetic navigation data without requiring separate storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded magnetic map data in image files serves multiple functions: it provides navigation information, enables location verification, supports map matching algorithms, and allows for efficient data transmission through existing image protocols. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated magnetic data transmission systems.
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
The integration of magnetic maps into navigation systems provides an additional, robust and accurate means of navigation, particularly in environments where GNSS signals are unreliable, by leveraging magnetic field measurements for localization and navigation.
Implementation Method 1
Data received from magnetic-measurement devices (e.g. magnetometers) are used for building magnetic maps and later localizing or navigating over the corresponding areas
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes accessing an image file that includes a magnetic map with normalized magnetic-field values that each correspond to one of a plurality of locations in an area. The image file includes a first matrix with first elements, one or more of which each represent color values, and a second matrix with second elements, one or more of which each represent the normalized magnetic-field values. The image file also includes pixels, wherein each pixel corresponds to one of the locations, includes links to one or more of the first elements, and includes links to one or more of the second elements that represent the normalized magnetic-field values that correspond to the location that the pixel corresponds to. The method also includes performing navigation or localization using the magnetic map.