Magnetic Map Embedding in Image Files for GNSS-Resilient Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) face reliability issues in environments with signal interference or obstruction, leading to navigation failures.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing magnetic maps, such as GeoTIFF-formatted images, to embed magnetic field data for navigation, providing an additional independent source of data that enhances navigation systems' robustness and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic map data is embedded in image files, then navigation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic map data with image file formats by embedding the magnetic field measurements directly into the image data structure. This merging allows navigation reliability to improve through redundant data sources while avoiding the need for separate magnetic map storage systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes image files serve multiple functions: they continue to provide visual navigation information while simultaneously carrying magnetic map data for reliable positioning. This multi-functionality allows the same data structure to support both visual and magnetic navigation, improving reliability without requiring additional dedicated systems.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic map data is embedded in image files, then navigation accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation data into distinct components (image data and magnetic map data) within the file structure, allowing each to be processed independently. This segmentation enables navigation accuracy to improve through precise magnetic field measurements while keeping data processing complexity manageable by handling each data type separately rather than as a monolithic structure.
3Reliability
If magnetic maps are used for navigation, then system robustness is improved, but implementation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing image file formats and structures as a template for embedding magnetic map data. By copying and adapting proven data structures rather than creating entirely new formats, the system achieves improved robustness through magnetic navigation while reducing implementation difficulty by leveraging existing, well-understood file format conventions.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a magnetic map of an area that includes magnetic-field values for locations in the area. The method also includes accessing an image file that includes pixels that correspond to the locations and include components. The image file also includes a first matrix with elements that each include color values. The components of the pixels include links to elements in the first matrix. The method also includes embedding portions of the magnetic map into the image file by generating a second matrix for the image file including elements that represent the magnetic-field values and, for the locations in the area, writing to the components of the pixels corresponding to the locations links to elements of the second matrix. The method also includes communicating the image file, with the portions of the magnetic map embedded in it, to computing devices for navigation or localization.