Navigation Technology Research Articles

Towards Integration of IndoorGML and GDF for Robot Navigation in Warehouses

Abstract. With the development of the navigation technology, the outdoor navigation has made great progress, whereas the indoor navigation has some areas which is underdeveloped, insufficient to meet the rapidly increasing demands of people as well as the robotics. Even though, the advance in indoor navigation technology still has really brought a wide range of applications and a broad market, for instance, the flourishing intelligent warehouse system utilizes multi-robot operation which have the certain requirement for an accurate indoor navigation system. As for the indoor navigation, the OGC standard IndoorGML has been released and undergoing revision constantly. While the document really provides more advantageous support for the applications of Indoor Location-Based Services (LBS), in some aspects, especially the door-to-door navigation and the warehouse environment, it is not sufficiently adaptable, with still some room for improvement. IndoorGML is powerful for the common indoor scenarios like malls and offices, while as for carefully-arranged warehouse environment and other large-scale operation scenarios with multi-robots that is more similar to an ordered system, it is obviously insufficient. In this paper, we discuss about the potential to combination of IndoorGML and ITS standard ISO 20524 (GDF5.1), and extend the OGC standard indoorGML. We analyze the definition as well as function of related concepts, making some comparisons between these two standards. We conclude that these two standards are well-matched with vital potential to merge and unify the indoor and outdoor systems for spatial information.

Advances in the application of the bony window technique in endodontic microsurgery

The bony window technique refers to cutting the intact bone plate to form a bone window and a free bone block to get access to lesions under the bone. At the end of the surgery, the dislocated bony lid needs to be repositioned to its original position. In endodontic microsurgery, compared with conventional osteotomy, the bony window technique has the advantages of improving the view of surgery and operability, reducing postoperative bone defects, promoting bone healing, and maintaining the integrity of the jaw outline. Accurate positioning and preparation of the bony window are important prerequisites for subsequent operations during the surgery, but it's difficult in some situations, such as when the operative area is located posteriorly or the bone cortex on the lesion surface is thick and intact. What's more, whether the free bone block can be stabilized in situ after repositioning is closely related to the prognosis of the surgery. The complementary application of digital navigation technology and bone cavity filling materials may help to improve the bony window technique and provide more possibilities for the retention of affected teeth in difficult cases.

Assistive Technology for Navigation of Visually Impaired People

In this paper, an assistive navigational technology was proposed for those who are blind. People who are visually impaired are more likely to be physically inactive, move more slowly, and dread falling. As a result, the majority of them lack the confidence necessary to travel on their own in strange places. Despite the fact that some technology advancements can help them, not all of them are affordable to the common man. Through our efforts, we hope to help visually impaired persons feel secure and confident while navigating new surroundings. Assistive tech- nology for navigation of visually impaired people is an affordable and efficient computer vision based blind guidance system that helps the user detect the distance to obstacles well in advance and avoid them. The suggested system also includes an emergency distress alert feature that enables users to communicate their locations in an emergency.

Navigation line extraction algorithm for corn spraying robot based on YOLOv8s‐CornNet

AbstractThe continuous and close combination of artificial intelligence technology and agriculture promotes the rapid development of smart agriculture, among which the agricultural robot navigation line recognition algorithm based on deep learning has achieved great success in detection accuracy and detection speed. However, there are still many problems, such as the large size of the algorithm is difficult to deploy in hardware equipment, and the accuracy and speed of crop row detection in real farmland environment are low. To solve the above problems, this paper proposed a navigation line extraction algorithm for corn spraying robot based on YOLOv8s‐CornNet. First, the Convolution (Conv) module and C2f module of YOLOv8s network are replaced with Depthwise Convolution (DWConv) module and PP‐LCNet module respectively to reduce the parameters (Params) and giga floating‐point operations per second of the network, so as to achieve the purpose of network lightweight. Second, to reduce the precision loss caused by network lightweight, the spatial pyramid pooling fast module in the backbone network is changed to atrous spatial pyramid pooling faster module to improve the accuracy of network feature extraction. Meanwhile, normalization‐based attention module is introduced into the network to improve the network's attention to corn plants. Then the corn plant was located by using the midpoint of the corn plant detection box. Finally, the least square method is used to extract the corn crop row line, and the middle line of the corn crop row line is the navigation line of the corn spraying robot. From the experimental results, it can be seen that the navigation line extraction algorithm proposed in this paper ensures both the real‐time and accuracy of the navigation line extraction of the corn spraying robot, which contributes to the development of the visual navigation technology of agricultural robots.

Design of Microstrip Array Antenna for Vehicle Millimeter Wave Radar

The design and construction of a microstrip array antenna especially intended for vehicle millimeter-wave radar applications in the 77–81 GHz frequency range is presented in this study. This study relies on earlier research on single-patch antennas to provide a full array design that satisfies the demanding performance requirements necessary for sophisticated car radar systems. The study carefully models and analyzes the antenna array using the High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) to get an azimuth angle of 90° within a 6 dB beamwidth and a pitch angle of 10° ± 1° within a 3 dB beamwidth. Achieving a gain of more than 13 dBi, keeping sidelobe levels below −15 dB, and guaranteeing isolation of more than 35 dB are all priorities in the design process. Precision and interference avoidance are crucial in high-resolution, short-range radar systems, and these factors are essential to the antenna’s operation. The array’s small form factor, along with factors like easy integration and economical production, make it an excellent choice for contemporary automobile radar applications. The research addresses the wider ramifications of this technology in vehicle safety and navigation in addition to diving into the technical issues of antenna design, such as the optimization of element spacing, array layout, and material selection. By exploring the limits of high-frequency antenna performance, this work advances the fields of autonomous cars and wireless communication technologies. The designed antenna array architecture is very adaptable, as shown by its possible applications ranging from point-to-point transmission and satellite communication to vehicle radar systems. The goal of this effort is to improve the capabilities of vehicle radar systems, which will lead to safer and more effective autonomous navigation solutions.

A comparative review of subsea navigation technologies in offshore engineering projects

Subsea navigation technologies play a critical role in enhancing precision and efficiency in offshore engineering projects. This comparative review examines the evolution and application of subsea navigation systems, with a focus on improving precision in offshore construction and surveying. The study evaluates various subsea navigation technologies, including acoustic positioning systems, inertial navigation systems, and optical imaging systems, highlighting their capabilities and limitations. The review begins by discussing the historical development of subsea navigation technologies, tracing their evolution from early acoustic systems to modern integrated solutions. It then explores the key components and operation principles of each technology, providing insights into their functionalities and suitability for different offshore applications. The study also examines the challenges and advancements in subsea navigation, including issues related to signal interference, accuracy, and real-time data processing. It discusses how these challenges have been addressed through technological innovations, such as improved sensor technologies and advanced data fusion algorithms. Furthermore, the review assesses the practical application of subsea navigation technologies in offshore engineering projects, including pipeline installation, subsea infrastructure maintenance, and underwater surveying. It analyzes case studies and industry practices to illustrate the effectiveness of these technologies in improving precision, reducing costs, and mitigating risks in offshore operations. Overall, this comparative review provides a comprehensive overview of subsea navigation technologies in offshore engineering projects. It highlights the evolution, capabilities, and applications of these technologies, emphasizing their role in enhancing precision and efficiency in offshore construction and surveying. The study concludes with recommendations for future research and development to further improve the performance and reliability of subsea navigation systems in offshore operations.

Recent records of thermohaline profiles and water depth in the Taam ja’ Blue Hole (Chetumal Bay, Mexico)

Coastal karst structures have been recently explored and documented in Chetumal Bay, Mexico, at the southeast of the Yucatan Peninsula. These structures, recognized as blue holes, stand out for their remarkable dimensions within a shallow estuarine environment. Particularly the Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH), revealed a depth of ~274 mbsl based on echo sounder mapping, momentarily positioning it as the world's second-deepest blue hole. However, echo sounding methods face challenges in complex environments like blue holes or inland sinkholes arising from frequency-dependent detection and range limitations due to water density vertical gradients, cross-sectional depth variations, or morphometric deviations in non-strictly vertical caves. Initial exploration could not reach the bottom and confirm its position, prompting ongoing investigation into the geomorphological features of TJBH. Recent CTD profiler records in TJBH surpassed 420 mbsl with no bottom yet reached, establishing the TJBH as the deepest-known blue hole globally. Hydrographic data delineated multiple water layers within TJBH. Comparison with Caribbean water conditions at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, reef lagoons, and estuaries suggests potential subterranean connections. Further research and implementation of underwater navigation technologies are essential to decipher its maximum depth and the possibilities of forming part of an interconnected system of caves and tunnels.

Survey on Indoor Positioning and Navigation Technologies Based on Sensors Fusion

Due to the growth of productivity and the development of min-sensors, relevant localization and navigation algorithms are better suited today. However, indoor localization still faces many new problems, and with the popularity of usage scenarios, the variable and complex environmental information brings many new challenges to indoor localization and navigation. Currently, the widely used sensors on the market are vision sensors, ToF sensors and wireless sensors. These three types of sensors are used under different conditions and also have different accuracies and measurement ranges. Through sensors fusion algorithms can complement the strengths and weaknesses of different sensors to achieve better performance in complex using situations. The paper presents a survey on indoor positioning and navigation technologies based on sensor fusion from different sensors and relevant applications. We demonstrate the benefits of sensor fusion algorithms in practical applications by performing sensor fusion based on and single type of sensors and different types of sensors.

Analyzing the Influence of Dean Number on an Accelerated Toroidal: Insights from Particle Imaging Velocimetry Gyroscope (PIVG)

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were utilized in this study to comprehensively explore the fluid dynamics within an accelerated toroidal vessel, specifically those central to Particle Imaging Velocimetry Gyroscope (PIVG) technology. To ensure the robustness of our simulations, we systematically conducted grid convergence studies and quantified uncertainties, affirming the stability, accuracy, and reliability of our computational grid and results. Comprehensive validation against experimental data further confirmed our simulations’ fidelity, emphasizing the model’s fidelity. As the PIVG is set up to address the primary flow through the toroidal pipe, we focused on the interaction between the primary and secondary flows to provide insights into the relevant dynamics of the fluid. In our investigation covering Dean numbers (De) from 10 to 70, we analyzed diverse aspects, including primary flow, secondary flow patterns, pressure distribution, and the interrelation between primary and secondary flows within toroidal structures, offering a comprehensive view across this range. Our research indicated stability and fully developed fluid dynamics within the toroidal pipe under accelerated angular velocity, particularly for low De. Furthermore, we identified an optimal Dean number of 11, which corresponded to ideal dimensions for the toroidal geometry with a curvature radius of 25 mm and a cross-sectional diameter of 5 mm. This study enhances our understanding of toroidal fluid dynamics and highlights the pivotal role of CFD in optimizing toroidal vessel design for advanced navigation technologies.

Experts consensus on transbronchial diagnosis, localization and treatment of peripheral pulmonary nodules guided by the augmented reality optical lung navigation

Lung cancer is the second most common malignancy with the highest mortality rate worldwide. In recent years, the rapid development of various bronchoscopic navigation techniques has provided conditions for the minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of peripheral pulmonary nodules through the airway.Augmented reality optical lung navigation is a new technology that combined virtual bronchoscopy navigation (VBN) with augmented reality (AR) and optical navigation technology, which could assist bronchoscopist and has been widely applied in clinics. The clinical evidence certified that the navigation, has the advantages of safety and efficacy in guiding transbronchial diagnosis, localization, and treatment of pulmonary nodules. In order to standardize the clinical operation of augmented reality optical lung navigation technology and guide its application in clinical practice, Interventional Group, Society of Respiratory Diseases, Chinese Medical Association/Interventional Pulmonology Group of the Zhejiang Medical Association organized multidisciplinary experts to take the lead in formulating the Consensus of experts on transbronchial diagnosis, localization and treatment of peripheral pulmonary nodules guided by the augmented reality optical lung navigation after multiple rounds of discussion, and provided recommendation opinions and clinical guidance for the indications and contraindications, equipment and devices, perioperative treatment, operating process and complication management of peripheral pulmonary nodules applicable to augmented reality optical lung diagnosis navigation technology.

Clinical application of indocyanine green fluorescence navigation technique in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for complex hepatolithiasis

BackgroundThis study investigated the clinical application of the indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence navigation technique in bile duct identification during laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) for complex hepatolithiasis.MethodsEighty patients with complex hepatolithiasis were admitted to our department between January 2022 and June 2023 and randomly divided into control and observation groups. The control group underwent conventional LCBDE, while the observation group underwent LCBDE guided by ICG fluorescence.ResultsIntraoperatively, the observation group had shorter operation and search times for the common bile duct (CBD), as well as reduced intraoperative blood loss and fewer complications, such as conversion to laparotomy and various injuries (gastroduodenal, colon, pancreatic, and vascular) than the control group, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Postoperatively, the observation group had lower rates of postoperative bile leakage, abdominal infection, postoperative hemorrhage, and residual stone than the control group. Additionally, the observation group demonstrated significantly shorter times for resuming flatus, removal of the abdominal drainage tube, and hospitalization than the control group, with statistical significance (P < 0.05).ConclusionICG fluorescence navigation technology effectively visualizes the bile duct, improves its identification rate, shortens the operation time, prevents biliary tract injury, and reduces the occurrence of complications.

Research on Motion Capture System of Motor Skill Based on Computer Vision Technology

Compared with the existing motion capture system, the inertial conduction based motion capture method proposed in this project can effectively overcome the shortcomings of the current motion capture, such as limited communication distance, low accuracy of data acquisition, low visualization degree of model display software, narrow application range, etc., and improve the practical application value of the method. A method of motion capture and motion control based on wireless network is proposed. Since most of the skeleton of the human body is rigid, the complete expression of the human movement is realized through the study of 17 important joints, and all the movement information of the athlete can be obtained by placing sensors on the corresponding nodes. Through wireless network transmission technology, the player's action information is transmitted to the 3D modeling software to achieve real-time control of the action. When measuring each sensor, strapdown inertial navigation technology is used to improve the accuracy of acquisition. The 3D modeling software is based on a professional motion capture software, and through the forward and inverse kinematics of its motion, the 3D modeling is highly consistent with the wearable device.

Research on Intelligent Navigation System Based on Aerospace Big Data Traffic System

This paper studies the navigation technology of the On-Orbit Servicing Spacecraft (OSS) and proposes an overall solution for the OSS navigation system. The composition of the OSS satellite navigation simulation system and simulation supporting environment are studied. Then a new SSUKF navigation filter is proposed based on the hyper spherical distributed feature sampling point transform algorithm (SSUT) and the non-scanning Kalman filter (UKF). The numerical simulation of the OSS system is studied based on MATLAB/RTW. Finally, the SSUKF algorithm and the conventional UKF algorithm are simulated digitally. The effectiveness and advanced nature of the hybrid Kalman filter applied to spacecraft autonomous navigation are verified.

Comparison of iCT-based navigation and fluoroscopic-guidance for atlantoaxial screw placement in 78 patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries

Background contextStudies have shown biomechanical superiority of cervical pedicle screw placement over other techniques. However, accurate placement is challenging due to the inherent risk of neurovascular complications. Navigation technology based on intraoperative 3D imaging allows highly accurate screw placement, yet studies specifically investigating screw placement in patients with traumatic atlantoaxial injuries are scarce. The aim of this study was to compare atlantoaxial screw placement as treatment of traumatic instabilities using iCT-based navigation or fluoroscopic-guidance with intraoperative 3D control scans.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of patients with traumatic atlantoaxial injuries treated operatively with dorsal stabilization of C1 and C2. Patients were either assigned to the intraoperative navigation or fluoroscopic-guidance group. Screw accuracy, procedure time, and revisions were compared.ResultsSeventy-eight patients were included in this study with 51 patients in the navigation group and 27 patients in the fluoroscopic-guidance group. In total, 312 screws were placed in C1 and C2. Screw accuracy was high in both groups; however, pedicle perforations > 1 mm occurred significantly more often in the fluoroscopic-guidance group (P = 0.02). Procedure time was on average 23 min shorter in the navigation group (P = 0.02).ConclusionsThis study contributes to the available data showing that navigated atlantoaxial screw placement proves to be feasible as well as highly accurate compared to the fluoroscopic-guidance technique without prolonging the time needed for surgery. When comparing these data with other studies, the application of different classification systems for assessment of screw accuracy should be considered.

Application of mixed reality navigation technology in primary brainstem hemorrhage puncture and drainage surgery: a case series and literature review

Application of mixed reality navigation technology in primary brainstem hemorrhage puncture and drainage surgery: a case series and literature review

A simple “spraying” fluorescence‐guided surgery by AIE probes for liver tumor resection through configuration‐induced cross‐identification

AbstractSurgical resection is the preferred option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but surgical navigation technology using indocyanine green still has some drawbacks such as non‐specific imaging, thus it is very important to develop new fluorescence imaging technology. All‐cis hexaphenyl‐1,3‐butadiene derivative (ZZ‐HPB‐NC) with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) feature has been reported to be quickly turned‐on fluorescent response in the intraoperative frozen‐section slides of HCC. However, the probe did not respond to normal liver tissue around HCC. In order to enhance the diagnostic rate and elucidate the response mechanism, all‐trans configuration EE‐HPB‐NC, was furtherly synthesized. Within two minutes, non‐cancer tissues could be fluorescently labeled by EE‐HPB‐NC by spraying, showing the same effect with ZZ‐HPB‐NC to HCC. The results indicated that the configuration‐induced cross‐identification fluorescence imaging strategy was achieved through the combination of ZZ‐ and EE‐HPB‐NC. Then the mechanism of HPB‐NC localization in HCC lesions was explored, and the binding of HPB‐NC with specific proteins in cells resulted in the AIE effect to label HCC cells. On this basis, the accuracy of specific fluorescence imaging for HCC was further verified on the mouse hepatic neoplasm models, indicating that it has clinical application potential for surgical fluorescence real‐time navigation.

Research on Autonomous Navigation and Intelligent Recognition Technology of Ship Hull Cleaning Robots Based on Deep Learning

Research on Autonomous Navigation and Intelligent Recognition Technology of Ship Hull Cleaning Robots Based on Deep Learning

Clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of nasal cartilage mesenchymal hamartoma in infants

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics, pathological features, and diagnosis and treatment strategies of nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma (NCMH) in infants and young children. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on seven cases of NCMH infants and young children admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University from April 2015 to January 2022. The cohort included 5 males and 2 females, aged from 6 days to 2 years and 3 months. General information, clinical symptoms, imaging findings, treatment plans, postoperative complications, recurrence and follow-up time were collected, summarized and analyzed. Additionally, immunohistochemical characteristics of the lesion were examined. Results: The clinical symptoms of 7 children included nasal congestion, runny nose, open mouth breathing, snoring during sleep, difficulty feeding, and strabismus. All patients underwent electronic nasopharyngoscopy examination, with 5 cases of tumors located in the right nasal cavity and 2 cases in the left nasal cavity. No case of bilateral nasal cavity disease was found. All 7 patients underwent complete imaging examinations, with 5 patients underwent MRI and CT examinations, 1 patient underwent CT examination only, and 1 patient underwent MRI examination only. The CT results showed that all tumors were broad-based, with uneven density, multiple calcifications and bone remodeling, and some exhibited multiple cystic components. The MRI results showed that the tumor showed low signal on T1 weighted imaging and high or slightly high signal on T2 weighted imaging. All patients were diagnosed through histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry, including 7 cases of Ki-67 and SMA (+), 5 cases of S-100 and Vimentin (+), and all EMA and GFAP were negative. All patients underwent endoscopic resection surgery through the nasal approach, with 3 cases using navigation technology. Five cases of tumors were completely removed, and two cases of tumors were mostly removed. No nasal packing was performed after surgery, and no postoperative nasal, ocular, or intracranial complication occurred in all patients. Follow up assessments conducted 6 to 84 months post-surgery revealed no instances of tumor recurrence in any of the patients. Conclusions: The clinical symptoms of children with NCHM mainly depend on the size and location of the tumor. Nasal endoscopic surgery is the main treatment method. In cases where critical structures like the skull base or orbit are implicated, staged surgical interventions may be warranted. Long-term follow-up is strongly advised to monitor for any potential recurrence or complications.

Evolution of Cervical Endoscopic Spine Surgery: Current Progress and Future Directions-A Narrative Review.

Cervical endoscopic spine surgery is rapidly evolving and gaining popularity for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy. This approach significantly reduces muscular damage and blood loss by minimizing soft tissue stripping, leading to less postoperative pain and a faster postoperative recovery. As scientific evidence accumulates, the efficacy and safety of cervical endoscopic spine surgery are continually affirmed. Both anterior and posterior endoscopic approaches have surfaced as viable alternative treatments for various cervical spine pathologies. Newer techniques, such as endoscopic-assisted fusion, the anterior transcorporeal approach, and unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression, have been developed to enhance clinical outcomes and broaden surgical indications. Despite its advantages, this approach faces challenges, including a steep learning curve, increased radiation exposure for both surgeons and patients, and a relative limitation in addressing multi-level pathologies. However, the future of cervical endoscopic spine surgery is promising, with potential enhancements in clinical outcomes and safety on the horizon. This progress is fueled by integrating advanced imaging and navigation technologies, applying regional anesthesia for improved and facilitated postoperative recovery, and incorporating cutting-edge technologies, such as augmented reality. With these advancements, cervical endoscopic spine surgery is poised to broaden its scope in treating cervical spine pathologies while maintaining the benefits of minimized tissue damage and rapid recovery.

When one thing leads to another: Pole Station Antarctica: December 15th 8am 1956

ABSTRACT This short paper illuminates a research-creation project titled Pole Station Antarctica: December 15th 8am 1956 (2012 – Ongoing). This artwork is an evolving collection of envelopes sharing the same postmark – mailed from the South Pole at the same time, on the same day. As the collection grows its shifting contents illustrate with increasing clarity global flows to and from the South Pole during the mid-twentieth century. When observed en mass, the cumulative minutia of place names, postage stamp designs, and decorative embellishments expose the complicated cultural and historical circumstances of this particular mailing – pointing towards America’s geopolitical motivations at the height of the cold war, the spread of Second World War military logistics and transportation technologies in the post war era, and the effects of navigation technologies on remote areas of Antarctica.