The “Netflix Lesson” for GPS Innovation
There is little doubt that Netflix is a great example for a company that saw the future and embraced it with open arms. In the early 2000s, when DVD rentals were the norm, Netflix dared to dream differently. When high-speed internet was still emerging, and streaming was in its infancy, they pivoted from a DVD rental service to an online streaming platform. This bold move, driven by a clear vision of the potential speed and volume of the world-wide-web, positioned Netflix as a market leader that redefined how the world consumes entertainment.
Their journey is proof that anticipating technological advancements and adapting business models accordingly, can lead to market dominance.
Just Like the Internet, GPS has Become Indispensable
In the field of positioning systems technology, we are witnessing what we believe is a trajectory of rapid advancement. Positioning accuracy is continually improving, and in the next few years, we anticipate significantly enhanced results.
But before we jump into the exciting possibilities of the near future, let’s take a quick look at the journey of positioning technology:
The Global Positioning System (GPS), originally developed in the U.S. for military navigation, has evolved into a tool in civilian life that no one can live without today. But early GPS technology, while groundbreaking, faced limitations such as signal loss in urban canyons, slow update rates, and variable positional accuracy. These constraints often hampered its utility in complex environments like densely populated cities.
Over time, technological advancements and the removal of intentional accuracy limitations in 2000 dramatically transformed Positioning Systems capabilities. These systems’ evolution included improvements in satellite technology, signal processing, and receiver design, leading to heightened accuracy and reliability. Positioning Systems have become integral to daily life, with use cases ranging from navigation to logistics and even personal fitness devices. These systems’ indispensability is further emphasized by their critical role in supporting global infrastructure. This makes Positioning Systems not just a tool for navigation but a foundational component of modern society.
Navigating the Future: Key Innovations Transforming GPS Technology
The journey towards optimized-precision positioning is a dynamic and developing one, with many innovations that are enhancing accuracy and real-time transmission for location-based technologies. Here’s a brief overview of the key advancements shaping the landscape:
- Multi-band GPS Technology: Utilizing signals from multiple satellite frequency bands, this technology reduces signal interference and enhances the accuracy of location data, particularly in areas with obstacles or limited visibility of the sky.
- Precise Point Positioning (PPP): PPP leverages advanced modeling techniques to correct various error sources, such as atmospheric delays and satellite clock errors, significantly improving GNSS accuracy.
- AI in Positioning Algorithms: The integration of AI and machine learning models into positioning systems enables dynamic adaptation to environmental changes, optimizing accuracy even in the presence of multipath interference and signal obstructions.
- Inertial Navigation Systems: These systems use accelerometers and gyroscopes to track movements independently of external signals, providing valuable positioning data in environments where GNSS signals are obstructed, like tunnels or urban canyons.
- 5G mmWave Networks: Anticipated to offer highly accurate positioning, especially in indoor and crowded urban environments where GNSS signals are less effective. This technology will not only increase accuracy but also enable more connected services and devices, which can strengthen the road users’ community with additional accurate dangerous data sources.
In Japan, where Eye-Net is conducting field trials in collaboration with SoftBank, the positioning landscape is rapidly advancing:
- Japan’s Satellite Network Expansion: The country is upgrading its satellite network – Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) – to enhance location accuracy nationwide, with plans to expand to an 11-satellite constellation.
- Sub-meter Level Augmentation Service (SLAS): Japan’s SLAS provides meter-level accurate positioning, even on small, low-cost receivers, marking a significant step in accessible, precise positioning technology.
- 5G Implementation: Japan’s leadership in deploying 5G technology further strengthens the capabilities of positioning systems, showcasing the country’s role as a pioneer in this field. Moreover, integrating external inputs like HD Maps or RTK modules in vehicles enhances positioning accuracy, offering another layer of precision for navigation systems.
Eye-Net’s Vision for the Future in an Advancing GPS Landscape
Eye-Net’s technology is strategically positioned to benefit greatly from global and Japanese advancements. As GPS systems and related technologies evolve towards real-time, high-precision tracking, this amplifies Eye-Net’s current capabilities and also opens doors to new possibilities in enhancing road safety, preventing collisions, and protecting vulnerable road users.
Conclusion
The story of GPS technology, much like that of Netflix, is one of evolution, foresight, and seizing opportunities. As we witness GPS technology’s transformative journey, it becomes clear that companies that will adopt applications and platforms like Eye-Nets, will align with these advancements and innovate proactively. They are the ones that will lead the pack in their respective industries. In the ever-evolving tech landscape, staying ahead isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity for those aiming to lead the game.
