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Photos instead of satellites for the new navigation system

29.09.2012

The Munich Polytechnic Institute developed the original NAVVIS positioning technology, which is based not on satellite signals, but on visual information. NAVVIS is a smartphone application that allows users to find their current location on a map. All you need to do is take a picture of the area around you. The application independently compares the photo with the image stored in the database and determines the exact position of the user (up to a meter), as well as the direction in which he moves. In doing so, it uses arrows to indicate the way in a three-dimensional projection.

In order for the NAVVIS system to function reliably, it was necessary not only to develop a special recognition system, but also to do a lot of preliminary work. First, a XNUMXD lidar scan of the area is carried out, which creates a "skeletal" XNUMXD map of the environment. After that, a lot of pictures of buildings are taken, including their characteristic features, such as stairs and signposts. Then certain points on the XNUMXD map are associated with the photographs. Thanks to this information, the navigation system allows you to navigate in any space, for example, quickly find the "Mona Lisa" in the Louvre.

However, unlike museums, many buildings and streets are often rebuilt. How will NAVVIS function in such conditions, since its database will become obsolete? This problem is solved by the users themselves, who take changes on the smartphone camera and thus update the database.

NAVVIS is ideal for areas where satellite navigation is not available, such as buildings, city streets, subways, etc. At the same time, wireless networks can be used for NAVVIS operation, which can also be used for rough positioning. It is very easy to use such a system: NAVVIS loads visual data packets when you start the application. The user takes a snapshot of their surroundings, and in a fraction of a second the program compares it to the image database and shows the user's exact location.

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