Handheld Navigation Device Charting Uncharted Locations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS navigation devices cannot provide route information between a charted location and an uncharted location, which often occurs in outdoor settings, and they also lack the ability to share the exact location of uncharted locations between devices.
Innovation Solution
A GPS-enabled navigation device with a microprocessor, GPS module, radio transceiver, and target marking system that allows users to visually designate and chart uncharted locations by determining inclination angles, bearing angles, and distances using optical, digital, or open sight targeting systems, and then calculates the coordinates of the target location using geometric principles and map data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS devices use traditional charting methods relying on pre-stored coordinates, then navigation between known locations is accurate and reliable, but the device cannot determine coordinates for uncharted or remote locations that are not in the database
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation system that uses measurable parameters (bearing angles, inclination angles, and distances) as mediators to determine the coordinates of uncharted locations. Instead of directly measuring GPS coordinates of the target location, the system measures these intermediary parameters from the observer's known position and calculates the target coordinates through geometric relationships, enabling coordination determination for previously uncharted locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional GPS satellite-based positioning system with a ground-based geometric calculation system. Instead of relying on satellite signals to directly provide coordinates of the target location, the system uses local measurements (angles and distances) combined with the observer's known GPS position to calculate target coordinates through mathematical geometry, substituting the mechanical satellite positioning approach with a computational geometric approach.
2Reliability
If GPS devices provide route information between two charted locations, then navigation functionality is reliable and accurate, but the device cannot provide route information to or from uncharted locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first determining the coordinates of uncharted locations before route planning can occur. The system pre-calculates the coordinates of remote or uncharted points using bearing angles, inclination angles, and distances measured from the observer's position. Once these coordinates are established in advance, the GPS device can then incorporate them into route planning just like any other charted location, enabling flexible route planning to and from previously uncharted destinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary geometric calculations as a bridge between the observer's known position and the uncharted target location. By measuring bearing angles, inclination angles, and distances as intermediary parameters, the system can calculate the coordinates of uncharted locations, which then serve as valid waypoints for route planning. This intermediary calculation process enables the integration of uncharted locations into the navigation route system.
3Loss of information
If GPS devices store and exchange pre-charted location data, then information sharing between devices is efficient and accurate, but users cannot share or exchange coordinates of uncharted locations that are not in the database
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling each GPS device to independently calculate the coordinates of uncharted locations using its own sensors and measurements. Each device can determine bearing angles, inclination angles, and distances to uncharted points and compute their coordinates autonomously without requiring pre-stored data or external assistance. This self-service capability allows users to share and exchange coordinates of previously uncharted locations, as each device can independently determine and communicate these coordinates to other devices.
4Measurement precision
If GPS devices use satellite-based positioning only, then location determination is globally applicable and consistent, but the system cannot determine coordinates of locations that are not visible to satellites or are in areas with poor satellite reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary ground-based measurements (bearing angles, inclination angles, and distances) that can be taken independently of satellite signals. These intermediary parameters serve as alternative measurement channels that work in environments where satellite signals are blocked or unavailable. By combining the observer's known GPS position with these locally measured intermediary parameters, the system can calculate target coordinates without continuous satellite visibility, overcoming the harmful effects of satellite signal limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from relying solely on the three-dimensional satellite positioning system to incorporating additional measurement dimensions (angular measurements and distances in the local horizontal coordinate system). By adding these local measurement dimensions, the system creates a hybrid positioning approach that combines global GPS data with local geometric measurements, enabling coordinate determination in areas where satellite-only positioning fails due to signal blockage or poor reception.
Data Source
AI summary
A navigational device includes a microprocessor, a target marking system, a digital tilt sensor, and a digital compass to determine mapping coordinates of a remote point from an observation point. A user first visually targets the remote point using the target marking system. The digital tilt sensor then determines an angle of inclination to the remote point from the observation point. The digital compass then determines a bearing angle to the remote point from the observation point. The GPS module then determines the GPS coordinates of the observation point. Lastly, the microprocessor determines mapping coordinates of the remote point based upon the angle of inclination data, the angle of bearing data, and the GPS coordinates of the observation point.