Kolpuke, Shriniwas (University of Kansas), Keshmiri, Shawn (University of Kansas), Ewing, Mark (University of Kansas)

Bio-Inspired Navigation Algorithm for GPS Denial Modes

Scheduled for presentation during the "UAS Navigation - I" (WeA5), Wednesday, June 14, 2017, 10:00−10:20, San Marco Island

2017 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, June 13-16, 2017, Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL,

This information is tentative and subject to change. Compiled on April 19, 2024

Abstract

Abstract—The wide use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation has been persistent for a long time. However, in today's scenario when technologies are advancing the accuracy of positioning systems, there are various new threats and challenges emerging. The signal receivers for positioning systems are prone to spoofing. This external interference in the system is usually done by feeding false signals to the receiver. Though the dead reckoning method is still in use, any interference with GPS can still lead to disaster. Insects and birds are known to use solar position for guidance and it is widely accepted by researchers that some birds, such as pigeons, use solar position in their homing flight. There are similar studies performed on honeybees and monarch butterflies. The use of solar position by these insects and birds brings up the question of whether a mathematical model can be used to replicate the results for aircraft navigation, and can a bio-inspired navigation algorithm like this be implemented? Solar position algorithms are already in wide use. The solar position algorithms available calculate the azimuth and zenith/incidence angles for the solar position at any given point of time when the position of the observer is known. The objective for navigation is to find an observer's position from solar position to present an alternative to GPS for navigational use. This document proposes a method for calculating the observer's position when the azimuth and zenith/incidence angles for the solar position, attitude of aircraft and time are known. The approach proposed is that the position of the observer can be calculated by reversing the ENEA algorithm where one will be calculating the position of the observer from solar position and time.