Signal Space Navigation Using Wireless Clusters and PDR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems rely on localization maps, which are challenging to build without prior knowledge of the geographic space and are prone to errors, making them complex and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A signal space based navigation system that uses a topological sensing map with wireless signal clusters and pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) displacement vectors to navigate users without the need for a localization map, leveraging crowd-sourced wireless signal observations and PDR traces to infer geographic layout and provide turn-aware instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a localization map is built without prior knowledge of geographic space, then navigation can be implemented in unknown environments, but the system becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a topological sensing map that copies only the essential navigation-relevant features of the environment (signal clusters and displacement vectors) rather than replicating the complete geographic layout. This selective copying simplifies the map construction process while maintaining navigation capability in unknown environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the critical components needed for navigation (wireless signal clusters and PDR displacement vectors) from the complex environment, separating them from unnecessary geographic details. This extraction reduces the complexity of localization map construction while preserving navigation functionality.
2Measurement precision
If traditional localization maps are used, then geographic positioning is achieved, but errors accumulate and user intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation problem into independent components: wireless signal clusters for location identification and PDR displacement vectors for movement tracking. Each component operates independently without cumulative errors, as the sensing map is continuously updated from current sensor readings rather than building upon previous positional estimates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from wireless signal sensors and PDR sensors to update the sensing map in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism corrects positioning errors continuously without accumulation, as each position is determined by current sensor measurements rather than integrated historical data.
3Productivity
If continuous sensing of sensing space is performed, then localization map generation is enabled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs sensing operations periodically rather than continuously, triggering wireless signal measurements and PDR updates at specific intervals or events (e.g., when entering new signal clusters). This periodic action reduces energy consumption while still generating the necessary localization data for navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial sensing by measuring only the essential parameters (wireless signal strength and basic motion vectors) needed for navigation, rather than continuously sensing all possible environmental parameters. This partial action suffices for localization map generation while minimizing energy usage.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example, a signal space based navigation apparatus may receive traces of wireless signal observations and corresponding pedestrian deadreckoning (PDR) traces between different ones of the wireless signal observations from a plurality of user devices. A plurality of wireless clusters may be generated based on the traces of wireless signal observations. A PDR displacement vector may be generated between two or more of the wireless clusters based on the two or more of the wireless clusters and a subset of the PDR traces corresponding to the two or more of the wireless clusters. A sensing map may be generated based on the plurality of wireless clusters and a plurality of PDR displacement vectors including the PDR displacement vector.