Navigation System Using Motion Sensing for Signal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems, such as those using satellite-based receivers, face challenges in maintaining accurate positioning in areas with signal loss, such as tunnels or high-rise buildings, where additional sources of navigational information are needed.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system that incorporates a microprocessor, memory, navigational signal receiver, and motion sensing devices like accelerometers or a 9-DOF motion sensing unit, with a specialized communication port driver that switches between operating modes to utilize motion data for spatial position adjustment and simulates GPS messages when valid coordinates are unavailable, ensuring continuous navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based navigation signals are used, then navigation accuracy is improved, but navigation reliability deteriorates in areas with signal loss such as tunnels or high-rise buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines satellite-based navigation signals with motion sensing device data (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to create a hybrid navigation system. The communication port driver integrates inputs from both GPS receivers and motion sensors, allowing the system to maintain navigation capability when satellite signals are unavailable by relying on motion sensing data alone or in combination with partial satellite signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication port driver is designed to handle multiple types of navigational inputs universally - it can process data from satellite-based receivers, motion sensing devices, or both simultaneously. The driver automatically adapts to available data sources, making the navigation system functional across diverse environments including areas with complete signal loss.
2Reliability
If motion sensing devices are integrated, then navigation reliability is improved in signal-loss areas, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication port driver serves as an intermediary layer that handles all the complexity of integrating motion sensing devices with satellite navigation systems. It manages data acquisition, filtering, fusion algorithms, and coordinate transformations, shielding the navigation program from these complexities while providing a unified interface for position data.
3Reliability
If a communication port driver is implemented to switch between operating modes, then navigation continuity is improved, but software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication port driver implements dynamic mode switching between GPS-only operation, motion sensing-only operation, and fused operation. The driver automatically transitions between these modes based on signal availability and system state, enabling continuous navigation without manual intervention while managing software complexity through automated decision-making logic.
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 continuous navigation by combining satellite-based signals with motion sensing data, maintaining accurate spatial positioning even in areas with signal loss, thereby enhancing navigation reliability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the motion sensing device can be provided by at least three accelerometers configured to measure proper acceleration values along at least three mutually-perpendicular axes
Implementation Method 2
the motion sensing device can be provided by a 9-DOF (degree of freedom) motion sensing unit containing a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis magnetometer, and 3-axis gyroscope sensors
Implementation Method 3
the motion sensing device can be provided by a 9-DOF (degree of freedom) motion sensing unit containing a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis magnetometer, and 3-axis gyroscope sensors
Implementation Method 4
a navigational signal receiver configured to receive a radio signal from at least one external system... The external system can be provided by a satellite-based navigation system... Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS)
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation system can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, a navigational signal receiver configured to receive a radio signal from at least one external system, a motion sensing device, and a navigation program executable by the microprocessor. The navigational signal receiver can be communicatively coupled to the microprocessor via a communication port. The navigation program can be configured to receive messages from the navigational signal receiver by communicating to the driver of the communication port. The communication port driver can adjust the current position based on the data returned by the motion sensing device.