Accuracy and Performance of Brunel Differential GPS System for Blind Navigation.

M.A. Shah, P. Ptasinski, F. Cecelja, C. Hudson, W. Balachandran

Abstract:	This paper reports the accuracy and performance of a Differential Global Satellite positioning system developed at Brunel University for blind and partially sighted pedestrians. In this connection, a Differential GPS reference base station was established [1]. To observe the accuracy and performance of the system, a mobile navigation unit was constructed. The position information data as differential correction is sent from the DGPS reference station to the mobile navigation unit via a low power UHF (Ultra High Frequency) radio data link. The correction data received by the mobile navigation unit is combined with the position data obtained by the mobile unit and plotted on a digital map of the corresponding area. Various static and dynamic experiments were conducted to measure the accuracy of the Brunel DGPS navigation system. The statistical analysis of both the static and dynamic data confirmed that the accuracy of the system is within ± 5 meters of the marked route. To enhance the service area and establish a bi-directional communication between the DGPS reference station and the mobile unit, the UHF radio data link is being replaced by a cellular mobile transceiver. In this system, the cellular mobile transceiver serves both data and voice communication. Therefore, the navigation information can be provided in a detailed and efficient manner by the trained navigation staff. By using this system, the blind and visually impaired pedestrians can navigate themselves by carrying a low cost and lightweight hand-held unit.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 12th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1999) September 14 - 17, 1999 Nashville, TN
Pages:	1901 - 1906
Cite this article:	Shah, M.A., Ptasinski, P., Cecelja, F., Hudson, C., Balachandran, W., "Accuracy and Performance of Brunel Differential GPS System for Blind Navigation.," Proceedings of the 12th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1999), Nashville, TN, September 1999, pp. 1901-1906.
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