Portable GNSS Positioning Device Using IMU Data Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning devices for determining three-dimensional geospatial positions are cumbersome, require leveling procedures, and lack compactness, making them inefficient for rapid and accurate location determination.
Innovation Solution
A portable positioning device equipped with a GNSS receiving unit, an imaging device, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU), which collects data to determine orientations and positions using a data fusing processor, eliminating the need for leveling and enabling compact, handheld operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a survey pole with GNSS antenna and tilt sensor is used, then geospatial positioning can be achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires time-consuming leveling procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the tilt sensor and leveling mechanism from the positioning device, extracting the problematic component that caused operational complexity. The device now relies solely on GNSS reception without requiring physical leveling, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining positioning accuracy through alternative computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple sensing capabilities (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) into a single inertial measurement unit that serves both orientation determination and positioning functions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate leveling equipment while achieving the same geospatial measurement goals.
2Measurement precision
If a survey pole with pointing tip is used, then terrain point positioning is achieved, but the device lacks compactness and portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the GNSS receiving unit, inertial measurement unit, and processing electronics into a single integrated handheld device. This merging of previously separate components (survey pole, antenna, sensors) into one compact unit maintains all necessary positioning functions while dramatically improving portability and reducing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional horizontal positioning to full three-dimensional geospatial positioning by incorporating vertical altitude measurements from GNSS and orientation data from the IMU. This dimensional expansion enables accurate 3D point positioning without requiring a physical survey pole structure.
3Measurement precision
If compensation for pole length is performed, then three-dimensional position computation is enabled, but the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated computational processing. The device automatically determines its own orientation using the IMU and computes three-dimensional positions directly from GNSS coordinates without requiring manual pole length measurements or complex compensation calculations. The system performs all necessary computations internally and instantaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods (physical pole with marked intervals) with electronic sensing and computational processing. The IMU provides electronic orientation data that substitutes for mechanical leveling, and digital processing replaces manual calculations, thereby eliminating time-consuming procedures while maintaining computational accuracy.
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 solution provides accurate, centimeter-level geospatial positioning without physical contact, leveraging GNSS, imaging, and IMU data fusion for precise location determination, enhancing operational efficiency and device compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiving unit including an antenna adapted to receive satellite information signals from a GNSS
Implementation Method 2
an imaging device adapted to capture a series of images, or a video, of a scene including the point of interest
Implementation Method 3
an inertial measurement unit (IMU) adapted to provide acceleration and gyroscopic data (for the positioning device)
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments provide for a method of determining a geospatial position of a point of interest (180) and a portable positioning device (100) thereof. In one embodiment, the method includes collecting data from a GNSS receiving unit (110) and data from at least one of an imaging device (130) and an inertial measurement unit (170), IMU, of the positioning device for a plurality of positions of the positioning device in the vicinity of the point of interest. The collected data is then transmitted to a data fusing processor (190) for determining orientations and positions of the positioning device for the plurality of positions in a global coordinate system. Further, the method includes obtaining a pointing input indicative of a position of the point of interest relative to the positioning device for at least one reference position of the positioning device. The pointing input is transmitted to the data fusing processor for identifying the point of interest and for determining the geospatial position of the point of interest in the global coordinate system based on the determined orientations and positions of the positioning device in the global coordinate system.