Opportunistic Positioning Using Network of Wi-Fi enabled GPS

Intelligent Automation Inc. (IAI) proposes to develop a network of Wi-Fi enabled GPS (WiFiGPS) in which connected nodes share raw observables and Wi-Fi based inter-node ranges to locate each network node with high reliability. Such a system will enable GPS-based positioning, even when GPS reception is unavailable or severely degraded in one or more localized areas. By fusing land-based RF ranges with traditional GPS ranging techniques, we will augment traditional COTS GPS receivers with significantly improved positioning capabilities, resulting in more robust positioning. Furthermore, the proposed WiFiGPS system will support GPS/INS integration, so that individual GPS nodes may be coupled with an IMU for improved performance. This innovative and powerful networked positioning technology offers several benefits including: • Continuous positioning for WiFiGPS nodes, including nodes that are in GPS-degraded areas. • Improving overall positioning accuracy, even for nodes with good satellite visibility. • Providing localization capabilities to nodes that have no access to satellite signals. • Providing position solutions on an ad hoc wireless network. • Allowing additional GPS sensor aiding (e.g. GPS/INS integration) for improved positioning performance on a per-node and per-network basis. GPS/INS integration provides short-term mitigation against temporary satellite signal loss. BENEFIT: There has been a great need for positioning technology in GPS degraded or GPS denied area. This demand has been reflected in the numerous requests for proposals and requests for information in the last few years. In military applications there is an increasing need for accurate/reliable/seamless positioning for indoor and outdoor environment. Car industry is focusing on real time telemetry with continuous monitoring of vehicles in all condition (Similar to OnStar) which includes urban GPS degraded areas. Currently, there is no accurate way to locate first responders at the scene of fires, explosions, subterranean environments, and other disasters and lead them to safety. These needs has been the driving force on a big push for providing position solution in GPS denied area. To address these need our proposed system provides GPS-based sub-meter positioning over large areas, allows for positioning when no single node can compute a position using only local GPS observables, and allows other complementary sensor aiding technologies to be integrated (e.g. IMU, ZUPS, etc). Intelligent Automation has adopted a three-fold approach to commercialization. We successfully develop/prototype technology in our SBIR programs and then: • Transition this technology to programs of record for DOD (such as OneTESS and Automatic Aerial Fueling) or other government agencies (e.g., NASA), where IAI’s technology is a key element of those efforts. For this approach, IAI is often in the role of a sub-contractor to large scale system integrator leads. • Transition to larger DOD 6.2, 6.3 research efforts such as BAAs and NRAs most often as a prime or, in some cases, as a subcontractor • Develop commercial products