Navigation Misalignment Detection via Acceleration Events

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing navigation systems struggle to accurately determine the misalignment between a device and a platform, especially when the device is non-strapped and can move or tilt freely within the platform, leading to inaccurate position and attitude calculations in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing measurements from accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other sensors to calculate continuous misalignment angles between a device and a platform, regardless of the device's orientation or mobility, by detecting acceleration and deceleration and processing leveled horizontal components of acceleration readings, allowing for seamless navigation without external navigational information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the device is non-strapped and can move freely within the platform, then the ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but the measurement precision of misalignment angles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice mobilityVSAvoidmisalignment angle accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of acceleration and deceleration events before calculating misalignment angles. By identifying these specific motion phases first, the system establishes a foundation for accurate angle determination even when the device is moving freely within the platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its calculation approach based on the detected motion state. During acceleration and deceleration phases, it uses specific algorithms to determine misalignment angles, while other phases may use different approaches, allowing continuous accurate measurement despite device mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device orientation changes freely, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of navigation solutions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice orientation flexibilityVSAvoidnavigation solution accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system preliminarily identifies acceleration and deceleration events to establish reliable calculation opportunities. These identified phases serve as anchor points where accurate misalignment angle determination is possible, providing reliable navigation data even when the device orientation is changing freely between these phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors device motion and uses feedback from acceleration/deceleration detection to adjust its calculation strategy. This feedback mechanism ensures that navigation solutions are derived from reliable measurement phases, maintaining accuracy despite free orientation changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If manual mounting is used to ensure alignment, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor alignment accuracyVSAvoiddevice mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by detecting acceleration and deceleration events and automatically calculating misalignment angles from these measurements. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual mounting and alignment procedures, allowing the device to be freely positioned while still achieving accurate navigation solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters based on detected motion states. By identifying acceleration and deceleration phases, it transitions to a calculation mode that uses these motion characteristics to determine misalignment angles, replacing the need for fixed manual alignment with dynamic parameter-based correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 accurate determination of misalignment angles, providing continuous and reliable navigation solutions even when the device is non-strapped and can change orientation, enhancing navigation accuracy and usability in various scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

at least two accelerometers having sensitive axes, each accelerometer providing acceleration readings along the sensitive axes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

inertial sensors (e.g. accelerometer, gyroscopes)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentEP3047304B1Method and apparatus for determination of misalignment between device and vessel using acceleration/deceleration
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 INVENSENSE INC
  • EP3047304B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3047304B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for determining the misalignment between a device and a platform (such as for example a vessel or vehicle) using acceleration and/or deceleration of the platform, wherein the device can be strapped or non-strapped to the platform, wherein in case of non-strapped the mobility of the device may be constrained or unconstrained within the platform. In case of non-strapped, the device may be moved or tilted to any orientation within the platform and still provide a seamless navigation solution without degrading the performance of this navigation solution. When the device is in a holder in the platform, it is still considered non-strapped, as it may move with respect to the platform. The present method can utilize measurements (readings) from sensors (such as for example, accelerometers, odometer/wheel encoders, gyroscopes, etc.) whether in the presence or in the absence of navigational information updates (such as, for example, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or WiFi positioning).