Personal Navigation Device Using Inertial Sensing for Waypoint Return
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigational systems are impractical for single-person use in environments like underwater or underground, as they rely on fixed reference points and are not effective in disorienting situations where a person needs to safely retrace their path.
Innovation Solution
A personal navigation apparatus using a combination of a linear accelerometer and a vibrating structure gyroscope to provide route guidance back to a recorded waypoint within an inertial reference space, allowing operation without fixed reference points and effective in diverse environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional navigational systems (dead reckoning, pilotage) are used, then navigation can be performed in underwater or underground environments, but the systems are impractical for single-person use and require fixed reference points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple navigation functions (position tracking, route recording, back-direction calculation) into a single integrated personal apparatus that can be carried by one person, eliminating the need for separate navigation equipment while maintaining full navigational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically records position data at intervals, calculates routes back to waypoints, and provides directional guidance without requiring manual intervention or external reference points, enabling a single person to navigate independently
2Reliability
If navigational systems relying on fixed reference points are used, then navigation can be performed with external reference, but the systems do not operate effectively in environments without fixed reference points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical navigation methods that rely on visual reference points with an inertial measurement unit-based system that calculates position and direction through acceleration and angular velocity sensing, enabling operation in environments without visual references
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to function universally across diverse environments (underwater, underground, aerial) by using inertial sensing that does not depend on environmental features, making the system adaptable to any location regardless of the presence of fixed reference points
3Ease of operation
If a person becomes disoriented in extreme conditions, then the person requires guiding away from the event position, but the ability to locate a safe position is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores the optimal route back to the last waypoint before the event, so that when disorientation occurs, the person immediately receives pre-computed directional guidance without needing to make navigation decisions while impaired
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus continuously provides feedback on direction and position relative to the safe waypoint, allowing the person to monitor their progress and maintain correct orientation even when disoriented by extreme conditions
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
Enables a user to safely retrace their path in disorienting situations by providing accurate route guidance in various environments, including underwater and underground, improving chances of survival in emergency scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a position device comprising a first micromechanical device and a second micromechanical device, wherein the first micromechanical device is a linear accelerometer
Implementation Method 2
the second micromechanical device is a vibrating structure gyroscope
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for, and a method of, providing output data to a person identifying a route back to a recorded waypoint position. Personal navigation apparatus for providing output data to a person identifying a route back to a recorded waypoint position, comprising a route indication device including a visual display element; and a positioning device. The positioning system includes a processing system having a data storage device, a first micromechanical device configured to produce an output signal proportional to an acceleration along an axis, and a second micromechanical device having components in constant motion and configured to produce an output signal proportional to its angular rate of motion around an axis. The processing system is configured to generate and store in said data storage device position data describing the position of said personal navigation apparatus within a reference space, based upon data received from said first micromechanical device and said second micromechanical device.