Innovative Mobile Navigation Device Using Signals of Opportunity

Quantum Dimension is advancing the state-of-the-art in robust navigation by developing sophisticated navigation algorithms and a system to support navigation in traditionally challenged environments such as suburban and urban areas with time-varying multipath fading. In order to provide an extended coverage area and allow for navigation without requiring a fixed network, we will develop an ad-hoc mode supported by mobile ad-hoc networking. We are developing this system using signals of opportunity (SoOP) which we developed in our Phase I project. As we found, digital television (DTV) and a wideband cellular standard, WCDMA, signals have the best attributes. Our approach is to utilize these signals and design advanced navigation and signal processing algorithms as the basis of our prototype system. Development of this prototype includes system architecture and algorithm development. The prototype consists of custom software built around a flexible RF platform and includes all functionality necessary to navigate with SoOP. We also implement a WiMAX-like cooperative network that allows users to share information. With the cooperative network, the ability to provide navigation to users outside of the coverage area of the SoOP is inherent. Additionally under this research program, we perform field testing and develop a navigation-specific fading model. BENEFIT: There are numerous potential military applications for our non-GPS solution utilizing SoOP. Since our solution involves IP in both the navigation system (algorithm development, and communication systems design & modeling) and in the mobile device design, there would be several applications which would be a natural fit. One would be the capability to provide access to data, voice, video and/or location information for ground troops in challenged locations or when traditional communications devices are being jammed. Because DTV, AM, & WCDMA SoOP are the same globally, our troops would be able to utilize this information in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our cooperative navigation can provide access to identification, tracking, and locations of various types of entities: “good guys” or blue force tracking; tracking of enemies; or tracking of other communication signals via communication/navigation devices. This can be utilized for rescue missions in enemy territory or for the ability to determine enemy location in relation to troops or other known locations. Integrated with sensor systems including classified SoOP and with other data, this technology can assist our troops in finding and destroying enemies and their weapons (IED’s, etc.), while increasing access to relevant information while in theatre. Our solution would be able to take geographic coordinates based upon these SoOP which could then be utilized within a three dimensional map. This SoOP would provide an accurate picture in theatre and would be integrated with other operational data and applications. Specific military examples include: setting up of perimeter communication systems in theatre, indoor or below ship deck navigation, GPS denied or jammed situations where it is impossible to access GPS signals, assisting a netted fleet in accessing relative locations of potential “hostile” ships, tracking Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) networks and their devices, etc. or any situation where access to relative location of SoOP can enhance communication and operational support. There are many commercial applications including: solutions for DHS (like SBI-net), enhanced 911 and/or first responder services, and non-GPS navigation for commercial cellular markets.