Horizon-Point Geolocation for GPS-Denied Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS-denied navigation methods rely on time-consuming manual techniques like resection, which are inefficient in environments where GPS satellites are obscured, such as urban canyons, and lack automated methods to quickly and accurately determine location without landmarks.
Innovation Solution
Measure arbitrary points on the visual horizon using a rangefinder, inclinometer, and compass to calculate distances and angles, filtering grid points based on inclination and range errors, and refining the location using a weighted residual sum to determine the operator's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional triangulation or trilateration methods are used in GPS-denied environments, then location determination can be achieved using landmarks, but these methods become time-consuming and require manual resection techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical system. The device uses a camera to capture images of the environment, automatically identifies horizon points and landmarks, and computes location through image processing and coordinate geometry calculations, eliminating the need for manual resection techniques while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing environmental images, identifying horizon points and landmarks, calculating coordinates, and determining the operator's location without requiring manual intervention. The device processes its own data through automated algorithms that compute intersection points and evaluate residuals to refine location accuracy
2Speed
If GPS satellites are used for navigation, then quick and accurate geolocation can be achieved, but GPS becomes unavailable in urban canyon environments where satellites are obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces horizon points and landmarks as intermediary reference objects that mediate between the operator and the determination of location. Instead of directly using GPS satellites, the system uses visible horizon points captured in images as intermediate references to calculate the operator's position through geometric relationships, enabling navigation in environments where GPS is unavailable
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying and storing coordinates of horizon points and landmarks in the environment before navigation begins. These pre-established reference points are then used during operation to quickly determine location without requiring real-time satellite signals, enabling fast geolocation in GPS-denied environments
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for navigation in a GPS-denied environment that do not rely on locations of known points. Instead, the operator can measure distance and/or inclination as well as azimuth to arbitrary points on the visual horizon (or sub-horizon) from their location. These observations can then be compared to precomputed distances and inclinations for corresponding azimuths to the visual horizon of a grid of points based on known surface terrain data. The closest grid point to the observer's location obtained in this way can be refined using a model of the surrounding environment, allowing for the operators position to be quickly and accurately determined.