Model-Based Vehicle Navigation Using Physics Model

The patent introduces a physics model as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between low-grade sensor measurements and accurate navigation solutions. The physics model processes data from tactical or industrial grade inertial sensors (which are less expensive and smaller) and transforms it into navigation-grade accuracy by incorporating vehicle dynamics equations, mass properties, and aerodynamic characteristics. This intermediary model allows the system to achieve navigation accuracy previously requiring expensive navigation grade sensors without directly using them.

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using high-precision physical sensors with a computational/algorithmic approach. Instead of relying on expensive navigation grade inertial sensors to directly provide accurate measurements, the system uses a physics-based computational model that processes measurements from lower-grade sensors through mathematical transformations and vehicle dynamics equations to achieve the same navigation accuracy. This substitution of mechanical sensor precision with computational modeling resolves the contradiction between accuracy and device complexity.

The physics model acts as an intermediary that enables the use of lighter, less expensive tactical or industrial grade inertial sensors while still achieving navigation-grade velocity feedback accuracy. The model compensates for the reduced precision of the lower-grade sensors through computational processing, effectively mediating between the weight constraints and accuracy requirements.

The patent employs cheaper, lighter inertial sensors (tactical or industrial grade) that may have shorter operational lifetimes or lower precision characteristics, and compensates for these limitations through the physics model. The approach accepts that the raw sensor data is not perfect but transforms it into acceptable navigation solutions through computational correction, thereby reducing the weight and cost penalty associated with navigation grade sensors.

The patent implements a self-service navigation capability where the vehicle uses its own physics model and onboard sensors to generate navigation corrections without requiring external GNSS aids. The physics model processes data from the vehicle's inertial sensors and platform inputs to autonomously compute navigation solutions and corrections. This self-service approach enables the system to operate independently in environments where GNSS is unavailable, significantly improving environmental adaptability while maintaining navigation accuracy through onboard computational resources.

The physics model serves as an intermediary that enables navigation operations in GNSS-denied environments by providing the necessary navigation corrections through onboard computational processing. Instead of relying on external GNSS signals as an intermediary, the system uses the physics model as an intermediary that transforms raw sensor data into navigation-grade corrections autonomously, thereby achieving both accuracy and environmental adaptability.