Radio Navigation Accuracy via 3D Map Correction Vector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio-based navigation systems, such as GPS, face challenges in maintaining accuracy, especially in areas with signal distortion or unavailability, and struggle to accurately correct positions using map data due to difficulties in identifying map locations for correction.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes 3D map data from a database to calculate a correction vector by measuring position coordinates, selecting corresponding 3D map data, determining the actual position on a displayed 3D map, and retrieving position data coordinates to correct the navigation system's position, thereby improving accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If map data is used to correct GPS position, then navigation accuracy is improved, but difficulty in identifying map location for correction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition accuracyVSAvoidmap location identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary process between GPS position reception and map data correction. A cursor is displayed on the map screen at the GPS-received position, and the user interacts with this visual intermediary to identify and select the correct map location. This mediator facilitates accurate position correction by making the abstract GPS coordinates visually tangible and easily identifiable on the map interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex automated position-matching algorithms with a simplified user interaction mechanism. Instead of using sophisticated computer vision or automated feature-matching systems to identify map locations, the invention uses a straightforward graphical interface where users can visually locate and select positions on a displayed map. This substitution reduces computational complexity while maintaining correction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If 3D map data is used for position correction, then navigation reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D map displays to 3D map data visualization. By rendering map information in three dimensions, the system provides richer spatial context and more intuitive position representation. This dimensional enhancement improves navigation reliability by making it easier for users to understand their location and make accurate corrections, while the 3D rendering is handled by standard graphics hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the GPS-received position as a cursor on the map display. This graphical representation copies the abstract coordinate data into a visual form that users can easily interpret and manipulate. The cursor acts as a digital twin of the actual position, allowing users to verify and correct location accuracy through simple visual inspection and interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2761326B1Method for improving the accuracy of a radio based navigation system
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 SAAB AB
  • EP2761326B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2761326B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2761326B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for improving the accuracy of a radio based navigation system by correcting the position given by the said radio based navigation system with a correction vector derived from localization data stored in a map database, where the correction vector is calculated by; (a) measuring the position coordinates of the radio based navigation system, (b) selecting based upon the measured position coordinates of the radio based navigation system position coordinates a set of 3D map data, (c) determining from the selected 3D map data the actual position, (d) retrieving based upon the determined actual position the actual position data coordinates from the 3D map data, (e) calculating the correction vector from position difference between measured radio based navigation system position coordinates and retrieved actual position coordinates (f) correcting the position given by the radio based navigation system with the correction vector.