Map Layer Switching for GNSS-Weak Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing navigation systems face challenges in providing accurate positioning when GNSS signals are weak or unavailable, such as in indoor or underground environments.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves monitoring a user equipment's (UE) position using multiple map layers, switching to a specific map layer associated with a predefined location when GNSS communication falls below a threshold, and utilizing alternative positioning methods like crowd-sourcing and indoor positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GNSS communication is used for position monitoring, then positioning accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates in indoor or underground environments where GNSS signals are weak or unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the positioning method based on the environment. When GNSS signal strength falls below a threshold, the system switches from GNSS-based positioning to map-layer-based positioning, effectively changing the operational parameters to maintain reliability in indoor or underground environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces map layers as an intermediary mechanism between the positioning system and the user. When GNSS signals are unavailable, the system uses map layers associated with predefined locations to continue providing positioning information, acting as a mediator that bridges the gap when primary positioning fails

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple map layers are maintained for different locations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning system into multiple map layers, each associated with specific predefined locations. This segmentation allows the system to handle different environments independently, improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular organization of location data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-associating map layers with predefined locations before they are needed. When the UE enters a predefined location, the corresponding map layer is already prepared and can be immediately activated, reducing real-time processing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12276735B2Enhanced navigation mode with location detection and map layer switching

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Aspects presented herein may enhance the navigation function of navigation/map applications or systems when GNSS signals are weak or sporadic. In one aspect, a UE monitors a position of the UE based on GNSS communication, where the position of the UE is monitored using at least one first map layer of a plurality of map layers associated with a map. The UE detects that the position of the UE corresponds to a predefined location when the GNSS communication is below a communication threshold. The UE switches to monitoring the position of the UE using at least one second map layer of the plurality of map layers upon detecting that the position of the UE corresponds to the predefined location, where the at least one second map layer is associated with the predefined location.