Hybrid navigation

Hybrid navigation is the simultaneous use of more than one navigation system for location data determination, needed for navigation. By using multiple systems at once, the accuracy as a whole is improved. Especially for self-driving cars, the exact and continuous knowledge of the navigating object's location is essential.^[1]

Function

GPS or other satellite based systems (GLONASS, GALILEO, BEIDOU, QZSS) provide a way to learn one's location, but these methods require free field conditions in order to receive the radio signal. Various satellite systems are subject to switching-off or reduction of data precision by the company or government that runs them.^[2] They are also prone to intentional or unintentional disturbances. Even passing through a tunnel or a garage interrupts the data flow. In situations where the signal cannot be received reliably, alternate sources of location data are needed. Combining GPS with other methods can avoid thsese limitations, but each method has its own specific limitations. A hybrid system provides fault tolerance for each underlying method and improves the overall precision of the result.^[3]

The hybrid system needs to decide how to choose among the different methods at any given time. One solution is a triple configuration for data collecting systems.^[2]

Alternate systems that supply navigational data include:

• Inertial navigation systems. This system determines location by summing the movement vectors from start of the trip or some other waypoint whose location is well-defined.^[4]
• Incremental sensors. This system uses vehicle speed data supplied by a Fleet Management System.^[5]
• Differential GPS. This system uses terrestrial radio transmitters with well-defined locations that broadcast information about how accurate the GPS signals are at identifying the locations of these transmitters.^[6]

See also

• Automotive navigation system
• Navigation Data Standard

External links

• Homepage of 'Deutschen Gesellschaft für Ortung und Navigation (DGON)'
• Wildau Video

References

1. Friedhelm Greis (2015-09-02). golem, ed. "AUTONOMES FAHREN: Wer hat die besten Karten?" (in German). Retrieved 2016-07-17.
2. Bestmann, vonWulfen, Hecker, Kneissl, Kropp (August 2010). "Aviation Applications: Hybrid Navigation Techniques and Safety-of-Life Requirements". Retrieved 2016-07-17.
3. "HIGHLY AUTOMATED DRIVING (HAD) MAPS FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES". Retrieved 2016-07-18.
4. Leendert Dorst (2011-01-27). Hydro International, ed. "How Does Inertial Navigation Work?". Retrieved 2016-07-16.
5. Stanley K. Honey (1985-04-02). "NAV85 Papers" (PDF). Retrieved 2016-07-17.
6. Brooks Goodhue (2011-05-09). "What is DGPS or Differential GPS?". Retrieved 2016-07-16.