Overview

Today, most of the current navigation and tracking systems use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to help users find their desired location accurately. The system operates by the transmission of a signal from a transmitter on the satellite orbiting the earth to the receiver which is located on the surface of the earth. As a result, in order for the receiver to accurately determine its current location it is imperative for the it to have a clear line of sight to at least three satellites. In today’s dense urban environments, a clear line of sight is not available to the receivers and hence, these GPS systems become ineffective in such situations. Similarly, the GPS system is unable to operate indoors due to the inability of the signals to penetrate through the walls to give a strong signal to the receiver. Besides, a higher accuracy of positioning is required for indoor navigation than achieved from commercially available GPS systems.

The project aims at creating a tracking and navigation system without using GPS technology such that it can be used in GPS signal deprived environments. This would be done by strapping an Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU) which consists of accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometer to the user's body to determine their location. In order to test the accuracy of the device, the system would be validated in the ‘Gait Laboratory’.
The project would simultaneously aim to analyse the feasibility of using Smart Phones for navigation using the various sensors present in them.

Objectives

• Analyse various methods of navigation without using GPS signals.
• Select a technique which would be used for navigation/tracking.
• Identify components required for the technique chosen.
• Assemble the system for Off-line navigation.
• Test in ‘Gait Laboratory’.
• Attempt to achieve On-line navigation/tracking.