Magnetic Navigation Mode Switching for GNSS-Denied Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) face reliability issues in environments with signal interference or malicious attacks, and existing geomagnetic field maps lack sufficient resolution for precise localization and navigation, especially in urban areas.

Innovation Solution

Magnetic navigation systems utilize geomagnetic measurements from devices to create and continuously update high-resolution geomagnetic maps, combining with GNSS and inertial data to enhance navigation reliability, especially in environments where GNSS is unreliable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If geomagnetic field maps are used for navigation, then reliability in GNSS-denied environments is improved, but measurement precision is insufficient for precise localization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation reliabilityVSAvoidlocalization precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple magnetic field maps from different sources and time periods into a single composite magnetic field map. This merging process integrates data from various magnetic navigation devices and updates the map continuously, thereby improving both the reliability and measurement precision of localization in GNSS-denied environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field map is continuously updated with new magnetic field measurements as devices traverse different areas. This continuous update process ensures the map remains current and accurate, improving measurement precision over time while maintaining reliability across changing environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Measurement precision

If magnetic navigation systems continuously update geomagnetic maps, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs magnetic field measurements and map updates at periodic intervals rather than continuously. Magnetic field maps are updated based on trigger events such as device traversal of new areas or accumulation of sufficient measurement data, reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic navigation device utilizes its own magnetic field measurements to contribute to the collective magnetic field map. Each device serves itself and the community by providing measurements that improve the overall map accuracy, distributing the computational and energy burden across multiple devices rather than requiring centralized continuous updating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple magnetic field measurements are collected from different devices, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeomagnetic map resolutionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic field map server as an intermediary that receives, processes, and stores magnetic field measurements from multiple devices. This centralized intermediary simplifies the complexity by handling data aggregation and map generation remotely, allowing individual devices to remain relatively simple while still contributing to and benefiting from high-resolution collective data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Provides reliable localization and navigation by leveraging high-resolution geomagnetic maps, improving accuracy and reliability in environments where GNSS is compromised.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetometer 156 to make magnetic field measurements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field measurement: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4168739B1Operating modes of magnetic navigation devices
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 ASTRA NAVIGATION INC
  • EP4168739B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4168739B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4168739B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method includes collecting, by a magnetic navigation device, magnetic measurements of a particular geographical region in accordance with a position and trajectory of the magnetic navigation device; accessing a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal status and a network connection status on the magnetic navigation device; determining an operational mode for the magnetic navigation device based on the GNSS signal status and the network connection status; determining whether to transmit the magnetic measurements to a server or store the magnetic measurements locally on the magnetic navigation device based on the operational mode; and performing navigation or localization operations using the operational mode.