NTT & NTT DATA develop tactile technology for indoor/outdoor navigation Unveiling at NTT's International R&D forum in Tokyo on Feb. 16-17

Collaboration with GiPStech produces next-generation solution

In recent years, a wide range of location, navigation and positioning systems for outdoor use have appeared, enabled by expensive constellations of GNSS satellites However, since GPS signals cannot reach indoors, there is still a need for a seamless solution capable of navigating indoors. So far, technologies developed for indoor navigation have been too imprecise, or too expensive due to the need to add a large number of sensors to the device. Moreover, all current navigation systems rely on visual maps and audio prompts, like those used in cars, which limits their usefulness for the visually or acoustically impaired. The next-generation solution developed by GiPStech, NTT DATA and NTT overcomes these limitations by using haptic-feedback navigation and high-precision, hybrid geomagnetic localization technologies.

Technical details

Buru-Navi (buru is an onomatopoetic expression for "vibration" in Japanese) is a unique technology that employs asymmetric vibrations to create the feeling of being pulled in a specific direction, as if the device were leading the user by the hand. Buru-Navi haptic feedback developed by NTT provides users with navigation guidance without any need for map-based support. The newly announced solution is revolutionary not only for the remarkably small size and weight of the device, but also as the first-ever deployment of Buru-Navi technology for navigation in combination with other devices, including smartphones. It is especially useful in smoky or dark environments where vision is poor, enabling users to find their way out of somewhere, or the shortest route to somewhere, or to a specific object.

GiPStech's hybrid geomagnetic indoor localization boasts high precision and usability thanks to its reliance on earth's magnetic field and the use of sensors that are already present on today's smartphones. Consequently, one of its distinct advantages is that it does not require the installation of dedicated infrastructure.

GiPStech's patented algorithms interpret distortions created by ferromagnetic elements in building materials, using them as a magnetic fingerprint to generate a building map for localization and navigation. The resulting data is then merged with inertial measurements gathered by the smartphone's accelerometers, enabling the solution to pinpoint precise locations even in data-noisy conditions (near operating elevators, etc.). For enhanced performance, the system also can integrate existing Wi-Fi or beacon technologies.

The device currently being tested comprises a smartphone and special cover equipped with magnetic-field sensors and haptic hardware.

Further developments

The technology demonstration during the NTT R&D Forum will showcase a variety of applications in complex environments. Going forward, NTT DATA Corporation will carry out market development and field testing in Japan, while NTT DATA Italy will continue to refine the solution and conduct tests and demonstrations throughout the world until this June. Thereafter, the results will be used to determine practical uses and actual applications.

About NTT DATA

NTT DATA is a leading IT services provider and global innovation partner headquartered in Tokyo, with business operations in over 50 countries. Our emphasis is on long-term commitment, combining global reach with local intimacy to provide premier professional services varying from consulting and systems development to outsourcing. For more information, visit www.nttdata.com .

About GiPStech

A start-up company that specializes in indoor localization and navigation. A spin-off of University of CALABRIA in Italy, they received multiple international awards including an evaluation of having the highest performing "infrastructure-free" localization technology at GeoIOT2016 where they presented their patented hybrid geomagnetic technology. Their solutions have been adopted by more than 10 companies in Italy and are currently being deployed in EMEA and USA. (URL:www.gipstech.com )

Note

Buru-Navi is a registered trademark of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation.