Geomagnetic Map Updating for Urban Navigation Localization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
GNSS navigation systems face reliability issues due to signal interference and susceptibility to attacks, and existing geomagnetic maps lack sufficient resolution for precise localization, especially in urban environments.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic navigation system that utilizes geomagnetic measurements from various devices to create and continuously update high-resolution geomagnetic maps, combining with GNSS data and inertial measurements to enhance localization and navigation, especially in environments where GNSS is unreliable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If geomagnetic maps are generated using existing methods, then basic navigation functionality is provided, but the resolution is insufficient for precise localization in urban environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic field measurements from multiple navigation devices with GNSS data and inertial measurements to create high-resolution geomagnetic maps. This merging of multiple data sources resolves the contradiction by achieving both high resolution (through aggregated measurements) and reliability (through multi-source validation) for urban navigation
2Reliability
If GNSS systems are used for navigation, then global coverage and basic positioning are achieved, but reliability is compromised in buildings, dense urban areas, and caves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces geomagnetic maps as an intermediary system that mediates between the unreliable GNSS signals and the navigation requirement. In environments where GNSS signals are blocked by buildings, dense urban structures, or caves, the geomagnetic field serves as an alternative reference framework, achieving reliable navigation without direct GNSS dependency
3Measurement precision
If multiple navigation devices contribute magnetic measurements, then map resolution improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each navigation device multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously perform navigation using existing geomagnetic maps and contribute measurements to update the maps. This universal approach resolves the complexity issue because devices perform both roles without requiring specialized equipment, and the server automatically manages the aggregation and fusion of measurements from diverse sources
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
Provides reliable and accurate localization and navigation by leveraging geomagnetic maps with improved resolution, overcoming GNSS limitations and enabling indoor and urban navigation.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic navigation device determines its own location and orientation information using magnetic sensors
Implementation Method 2
The Earth's geomagnetic field (GMF) can be utilized to determine location
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes at a mapping server receiving from a plurality of regional servers a plurality of regional magnetic data sets; at the mapping server updating a geomagnetic map with one or more of the regional magnetic data sets, wherein the geomagnetic map comprises one or more of the geographic regions; and from the mapping server communicating one or more portions of the geomagnetic map as updated to one or more of the regional servers for distribution as geomagnetic map information to one or more of the magnetic navigation devices for localization or navigation.