Abstract: The present invention uses a map database which is created with the view of optimization in terms of size and complexity, so that it can be easily embedded into a navigation chip. The optimized map database is referred to as a “mini-map” database. The mini-map database easily integrates with the position calculation routine. The algorithm for position calculation includes a map-matching component, which is referred to as the “mini-map-matching” (MMM) algorithm, which is implemented on the navigation chip. Application of the present invention includes any navigation system for vehicles and/or pedestrians. The navigation system may include an inertial sensor, such as a dead-reckoning (DR) sensor, for further improvement in calculated positional accuracy when satellite signals are degraded due to environmental factors.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to aiding a Satellite Positioning System (SPS) receiver of a platform with a data interface to the platform data. The platform, for example, could be a vehicle, ship, aircraft, or a pedestrian. The SPS receiver would be used to track the location of the platform. The data interface would facilitate access by the SPS receiver to the data of the platform, and the SPS receiver in turn could provide SPS data (such as position, speed, and heading) to the platform. A further aspect of the invention includes hardware or software used by the data interface and the SPS receiver to provide, format, time-stamp, synchronize, and match platform data or SPS receiver data.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to aiding a Satellite Positioning System (SPS) receiver of a platform with a data interface to the platform data. The platform, for example, could be a vehicle, ship, aircraft, or a pedestrian. The SPS receiver would be used to track the location of the platform. The data interface would facilitate access by the SPS receiver to the data of the platform, and the SPS receiver in turn could provide SPS data (such as position, speed, and heading) to the platform. A further aspect of the invention includes hardware or software used by the data interface and the SPS receiver to provide, format, time-stamp, synchronize, and match platform data or SPS receiver data.

Abstract: The present invention uses a map database which is created with the view of optimization in terms of size and complexity, so that it can be easily embedded into a navigation chip. The optimized map database is referred to as a “mini-map” database. The mini-map database easily integrates with the position calculation routine. The algorithm for position calculation includes a map-matching component, which is referred to as the “mini-map-matching” (MMM) algorithm, which is implemented on the navigation chip. Application of the present invention includes any navigation system for vehicles and/or pedestrians. The navigation system may include an inertial sensor, such as a dead-reckoning (DR) sensor, for further improvement in calculated positional accuracy when satellite signals are degraded due to environmental factors.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to aiding a Satellite Positioning System (SPS) receiver of a platform with a data interface to the platform data. The platform, for example, could be a vehicle, ship, aircraft, or a pedestrian. The SPS receiver would be used to track the location of the platform. The data interface would facilitate access by the SPS receiver to the data of the platform, and the SPS receiver in turn could provide SPS data (such as position, speed, and heading) to the platform. A further aspect of the invention includes hardware or software used by the data interface and the SPS receiver to provide, format, time-stamp, synchronize, and match platform data or SPS receiver data.

Abstract: A map-matching feedback interface uses added information to bound a mapping solution and calibrate a navigation system, thus enabling the navigation system to navigate more accurately over a longer period of time. The system recognizes erroneous measurements and reduces or eliminates them from the mapping solution, thus preventing position inaccuracies. The system interfaces the navigation system with a mapping system that feeds back map-based data to the navigation system and combines the map-matching feedback data with other sensor data to produce an accurate navigation solution even in environments where GPS or dead reckoning input data is inaccurate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method of dead reckoning navigation for a vehicle uses a set of accelerometers. Sensed accelerometers from the set are converted into a vehicle body frame of reference set of accelerations. The resulting converted accelerations are then used to determine a dead-reckoning longitudinal acceleration for the vehicle. By integrating the longitudinal acceleration along a heading for the vehicle, a dead-reckoning-determined location for the vehicle is provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method of dead reckoning navigation for a vehicle uses a set of accelerometers. Sensed accelerometers from the set are converted into a vehicle body frame of reference set of accelerations. The resulting converted accelerations are then used to determine a dead-reckoning longitudinal acceleration for the vehicle. By integrating the longitudinal acceleration along a heading for the vehicle, a dead-reckoning-determined location for the vehicle is provided.

Abstract: A map-matching feedback interface uses added information to bound a mapping solution and calibrate a navigation system, thus enabling the navigation system to navigate more accurately over a longer period of time. The system recognizes erroneous measurements and reduces or eliminates them from the mapping solution, thus preventing position inaccuracies. The system interfaces the navigation system with a mapping system that feeds back map-based data to the navigation system and combines the map-matching feedback data with other sensor data to produce an accurate navigation solution even in environments where GPS or dead reckoning input data is inaccurate.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to aiding a Satellite Positioning System (SPS) receiver of a platform with a data interface to the platform data. The platform, for example, could be a vehicle, ship, aircraft, or a pedestrian. The SPS receiver would be used to track the location of the platform. The data interface would facilitate access by the SPS receiver to the data of the platform, and the SPS receiver in turn could provide SPS data (such as position, speed, and heading) to the platform. A further aspect of the invention includes hardware or software used by the data interface and the SPS receiver to provide, format, time-stamp, synchronize, and match platform data or SPS receiver data.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to aiding a Satellite Positioning System (SPS) receiver of a platform with a data interface to the platform data. The platform, for example, could be a vehicle, ship, aircraft, or a pedestrian. The SPS receiver would be used to track the location of the platform. The data interface would facilitate access by the SPS receiver to the data of the platform, and the SPS receiver in turn could provide SPS data (such as position, speed, and heading) to the platform. A further aspect of the invention includes hardware or software used by the data interface and the SPS receiver to provide, format, time-stamp, synchronize, and match platform data or SPS receiver data.

Abstract: A method of smoothing Kalman Filter position states forming a "groundtrack" in a receiver used in a satellite based positioning system (e.g. GPS). In such systems, data pairs including an incoming value and a "raw" reliability estimate (e.g. a standard deviation) are normally fed directly to the Kalman Filter. The Kalman Filter computes the resultant and an overall uncertainty estimate by applying a "weight" to each successive incoming value based on its reliability. The Kalman Filter also estimates incoming values based on past values.The method involves the unique steps of replacing the raw reliability with a "modified" reliability if the incoming value is too far from the estimate in view of an adjustable limit envelope defined by the current uncertainty estimate and reliability value. If the difference between what we get and what we expect is small, then the reliability value is passed without modification.

Abstract: A navigation and guidance system which directs a user toward a desired destination. Position and steering information are integrated into a single display to allow the user to immediately determine whether the correct course is being traveled, and to inform the use of any directional changes which may be necessary to be directed toward the desired destination waypoint. The user's position and course are determined by a navigation system and indicated on the display as a directional pointing icon, such as a line or arrow. The destination is displayed as a point. The user's Point of Closest Approach (PCA) can then be calculated according to current position, course, and the position of the desired destination. As the use's course gets closer to the bearing of the destination waypoint the PCA indicator can correspondingly shift with the user's movements. By superimposing the PCA over the destination waypoint, the user may precisely steer his or her craft to the desired destination.

Abstract: A method for using a value of range rate observed by a receiver, such as a GPS receiver, to determine the coordinates of points on the surface of the earth from which this value of range rate would be observed. These coordinates are given in an earth-centered, earth-fixed (ECEF) coordinate system, and they form a locus of points of equal range rate. The coordinates of these points provide general estimates of the location of the receiver. By calculating multiple loci of points which intersect each other, a more precise determination of the location of the receiver may be made.

Abstract: A method for using a value of range rate observed by a receiver, such as a GPS receiver, at a particular location, along with other satellite information, to determine the coordinates of points on the surface of the earth from which this value of range rate would be observed. These coordinates are given in an earth-centered, earth-fixed (ECEF) coordinate system, and they form a locus of points of equal range rate. The coordinates of these points provide estimates of the location of the GPS receiver.