Personal Robust Navigation in Challenging Applications

Personal navigation has grown rapidly with the introduction of ubiquitous computing and the new generation of smart phones. Appropriate localisation is nowadays a central element for many applications and mobile services. However the proper estimation of the user's location remains a challenge. This paper presents an innovative concept for accurate and reliable positioning in challenging applications. It consists of three components: an absolute geographical reference, the hybridisation of complementary technologies and specific motion models. Two different applications illustrate this concept: urban displacement of blind people and guidance of firefighters. The validity of the concept is assessed with indoor experimental results. Finally the conclusion gives a prospective view of robust personal navigation.