Virtual Map Navigation for GPS-Free Underground Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigation applications face challenges when GPS signals are weak or unavailable, particularly in underground locations like parking garages, leading to inaccurate start location selection and increased chances of getting lost due to the lack of mapping technologies for such areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize virtual maps created from speed and direction measurements by mobile devices, which are then stored in a GIS map server, allowing navigation without GPS signals by switching between GPS and virtual maps, ensuring continuous navigation assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS signal is used for navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but navigation reliability deteriorates in underground locations where GPS signals are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the navigation parameter from GPS-dependent to sensor-based dead reckoning when underground. Motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) are used to calculate position, speed, and orientation changes, allowing navigation to continue without GPS signal by transitioning to an alternative measurement parameter set.
Solution Approach 2:
Map data serves as an intermediary between the user and navigation guidance in underground areas. The system uses pre-stored map data of underground parking structures, combined with sensor-derived position information, to provide directional guidance when direct GPS positioning is unavailable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual maps are created from user motion sensor data, then navigation coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically collecting motion sensor data from users, processing it through dead reckoning algorithms, and generating virtual map data without requiring manual surveying or external intervention. This automated data collection and processing expands navigation coverage to underground areas while managing complexity through algorithmic rather than manual methods.
3Reliability
If GPS signal strength monitoring is implemented, then navigation reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic GPS signal strength monitoring rather than continuous monitoring. The GPS transceiver periodically checks for signal availability, and when signal strength falls below a threshold or is completely lost, the system transitions to sensor-based navigation mode. This periodic checking approach maintains navigation reliability by detecting signal loss while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
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 accurate navigation in areas with no GPS signal by constructing virtual maps based on user data, providing reliable directions and improving user experience by linking underground parking lot maps with road maps, thus reducing detours and confusion.
Implementation Method 1
The virtual maps are created from speed and direction measurements taken from motion sensors of the mobile devices of users
Implementation Method 2
Measuring a decrease in GPS signal strength correlated to positioning of the user in an underground location
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation method that includes building a virtual map database of maps for structures that block GPS signals, wherein the virtual maps are created from speed and direction measurements taken from motion sensors of the mobile devices of users of a geographic information system (GIS) map server; and starting a navigation session by a user employing a navigation application that employs the GIS map server. The GIS map server includes GIS map data, and virtual map data from the virtual map database. The virtual map data is for navigation instructions without a GPS signal. A start location is set using the GIS map data to provide the initial start location; and directions are provided to the start location using a virtual map data from the virtual map database.