Portable Navigation System with Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable navigation systems are not user-friendly, as they require direct line of sight to GPS satellites and are not capable of seamless navigation between different modes of transit like on-foot and in-vehicle navigation, leading to unreliable positioning and velocity information due to algorithm-specific constraints and drift issues.
Innovation Solution
A portable navigation system module that combines GPS and inertial sensors with a processor to determine the mode of conveyance and orientation, using a core navigation algorithm to produce continuous navigation solutions by integrating absolute and relative navigational information, and switching between sources when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If GPS-only systems are used, then the system is simple and user-friendly, but the positioning reliability deteriorates when direct line of sight to satellites is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS receiver with inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) into a single portable navigation system. The GPS provides absolute positioning when available, while inertial sensors provide relative positioning through dead reckoning when GPS signals are blocked, ensuring continuous reliable navigation without requiring user intervention or tethering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically adapt to multiple modes of conveyance (on-foot, in-vehicle, on-moving-platform) using a single core navigation algorithm. The processor detects the mode of conveyance and adjusts the navigation solution accordingly, making the system universally applicable across different transit scenarios without requiring mode-specific configuration or tethering.
2Measurement precision
If inertial sensors are tethered and well-aligned with the moving body, then navigation accuracy during GPS outages is improved, but the device becomes application-specific and less user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the mode of conveyance (on-foot, in-vehicle, or on-moving-platform) using sensor data analysis and automatically adjusts the navigation algorithm accordingly. This eliminates the need for fixed tethering or pre-defined orientations, as the system adapts its calculation method based on the detected motion pattern, maintaining accuracy while preserving user-friendliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor automatically detects the mode of conveyance and selects the appropriate navigation algorithm without requiring user input or configuration. The system self-adjusts between pedestrian dead reckoning, vehicle navigation, and general inertial navigation based on analyzed sensor patterns, eliminating the need for tethering or manual mode selection.
3Measurement precision
If different navigation algorithms are used for different transit modes, then navigation accuracy for each mode is improved, but the system complexity increases and seamless navigation between modes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single core navigation algorithm that can handle multiple modes of conveyance (on-foot, in-vehicle, on-moving-platform). The processor automatically detects the current mode using sensor data patterns and adjusts the algorithm's parameters and constraints accordingly, providing mode-optimized accuracy without requiring separate algorithms or increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system dynamically adapts its behavior by detecting mode of conveyance and adjusting algorithm parameters in real-time. Instead of using fixed different algorithms, the single algorithm flexibly modifies its calculation approach based on the detected mode, seamlessly transitioning between modes without requiring algorithm switching or increasing complexity.
4Reliability
If PDR algorithm is used for on-foot mode, then drift is reduced, but assumptions about walking patterns must be satisfied which limits applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically detects whether the user is on-foot or in another mode of conveyance by analyzing accelerometer and gyroscope patterns. When on-foot mode is detected, PDR algorithms are applied with adaptive assumptions that can accommodate different walking scenarios. The system seamlessly transitions between PDR and other navigation methods based on detected motion patterns, maintaining reliability across diverse walking modes without rigid assumptions.
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
The system provides seamless and continuous navigation solutions for both on-foot and in-vehicle modes without tethering, reducing drift and maintaining accuracy by using a single core algorithm and aiding with pedestrian dead reckoning for on-foot mode, ensuring reliable positioning and heading information.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver, such as a GPS receiver, for receiving navigational information from an external source, such as GPS satellites
Implementation Method 2
Inertial sensors are self-contained sensors that sense the changes in accelerations and angular rates of the conveying body
Data Source
AI summary
A portable navigation module and its method of operation are disclosed for seamlessly providing navigation and positioning information to a user. The module comprises: means, such as a GPS receiver, for receiving a first set of navigational information from an external source, such as satellites; and an inertial sensor unit for generating a second set of navigational information at the module. The navigational information is used by a processor programmed with a core algorithm, to identify the mode of conveyance algorithm and an orientation or misalignment algorithm. The algorithm utilizes the navigational information, aided by the mode of conveyance information and the orientation information, to produce a filtered navigation solution (which comprises position, velocity and attitude). The solution is suitably displayed, preferably on a detachable display unit.The system has the following attributes: the solution is produced seamlessly, even if one source of navigational information is temporarily out of service; the accuracy of the solution is assisted by use of the mode of conveyance and orientation information; and there is no requirement for the module to be permanently aligned with the direction of movement of the conveyance platform.