FocalPoint

All of us depend on GPS for navigation: whether we’re using our smartphones, wearables or in-built vehicle satnav. But did you know that a GPS (GNSS) signal is only as powerful as a 45-watt lightbulb? This means that any obstruction can make it harder for a receiver to pick them up. Buildings can block them completely, just like the glow from a dim light can be blocked by a blackout curtain. Signals can also be impacted by tree cover -- with foliage they can still pass through, but the effect is like a thin curtain making a dim light even dimmer. Both high-rise buildings and foliage can cause disruptions to the GPS signal. GPS is one of the few sensors in the vehicle that provides an absolute location. As we move towards automated driving, the signal has to be accurate, reliable and secure for it to navigate safely, with confidence. However, this is easier said than done. The sensitivity of a receiver is a critical consideration for developers of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). 👉 This article outlines the challenges of signal sensitivity in the design of automated vehicles and outlines how OEMs can leverage our technology to extend hands-free driving into challenging environments.  https://lnkd.in/ewCSzQvj  #GNSS #ADAS #AutonomousDriving

How will GNSS developments impact AV evolution? In this article for Automotive World, FocalPoint VP Manuel Del Castillo outlines how GNSS software enhancements in the chip will enable the accuracy needed for the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles. https://lnkd.in/ehkxBvuC #GNSS #ADAS #AutonomousVehicles

We're thrilled to have won the Cars Of The Future Self-Driving Industry awards (V2X category ) for S-GNSS® Auto, our software product that unlocks the full potential of GNSS for automotive manufacturers. It offers a scalable, cost-effective upgrade to ADAS and self-driving systems, enhancing performance in GNSS-challenged areas whilst also improving navigation and location-based services. S-GNSS® Auto prevents the cost of high quality hardware including antennas, oscillators and upgrading inertial sensors associated with optimal positioning performance. As a software solution, the upgrade can be applied to existing hardware and can even be delivered over the air. This reduces the costs of extending the hardware infrastructure and eases engineering complexity. An enhancement to the GNSS chip helps to make L3+ systems widely accessible at mass-market prices, aligning with the Government's focus on improving road safety. Cars of the Future editor, Neil Kennett, on behalf of the 2024 Self-Driving Industry Awards judging panel said, “We were impressed by its new Global Navigation Satellite System receiver, developed to demonstrate its S-GNSS® Auto software. In testing around Canary Wharf, it demonstrated the accuracy of its own Supercorrelation™ product – which permits only the line-of-sight signals and ignores reflections. With S-GNSS® Auto, consumers can expect a high level of positioning accuracy from their navigation solutions, enabling smarter, more efficient navigation supported with resilience against any potential spoofing attack, enhancing consumer safety. Congratulations to everyone that took part.  Pictured: Tom Crabtree #sdia24 #carsofthefuture

✨ We are hiring! We are looking for experienced mid-senior level software engineers with a proven track record in delivering software products. You will be involved in all aspects of development of our embedded S-GNSS® software product, including planning, implementation and testing, working closely with our GNSS chipset partners. You can choose to work hybrid and attend our offices in Cambridge or Bristol every week. Join us and be part of a brilliant team that’s shaping the future of GNSS technology! We’d love to hear from you. 👉 Learn more about the role and apply: https://lnkd.in/eG7qrhPs #TechJobs #SoftwareEngineer #GNSS

Have you ever noticed that your car satnav struggles to point you in the right direction when you’re driving in a busy urban area? Cities like New York, Tokyo, Seoul and London are characterised by tall buildings and tree cover, which can often disrupt GNSS (GPS) signals. This not only makes it harder for you to get from point A to B, but also wastes fuel, reduces efficiency, and can even compromise safety. However, by improving the accuracy of GNSS and integrating it with other relative sensors, it’s possible to determine a vehicle’s position within centimetres. As we hand over more responsibilities to our driving systems, accurate positioning is essential for safety. Discover how GNSS technology is advancing automated driving: https://lnkd.in/eVh8F9hd #AutonomousDriving #VehicleSafety #GNSS

Many modern vehicles today are equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), a suite of electronic technologies that helps enhance safety and improve overall driving efficiency. ADAS leverages various sensors and software to detect surroundings, assess potential hazards, and help the driver make decisions or take necessary actions. For example, ADAS can alert drivers of obstacles in their blind spot or assist with parking with reduced driver input. This article explores how individual components -- cameras, radar, LiDAR, IMUs, GNSS, and HD maps -- work together to power ADAS and advance the evolution of autonomous cars. https://lnkd.in/eDGcHarq #ADAS #AutonomousVehicles #AutonomousDriving

💡 Did you know that approximately 80% of emergency calls in the UK, EU, and USA are made from mobile phones? In these situations, the caller’s location is typically determined through their mobile device -- and this is crucial, especially if the caller is unable to verbally provide their location. Similarly, eCall systems in vehicles, which automatically alert emergency services in the event of a crash, rely on accurate location data to ensure timely response. This makes accurate GPS positioning essential for emergency services to reach the exact location without delay. 📍GPS plays an important role in personal safety. Advanced Mobile Location (AML), in-built into most modern phones, uses GPS, along with additional data sources, to improve location accuracy and speed up emergency response times. Historically, in large-scale disasters, such as the 2004 tsunami, GPS has helped locate those in need and coordinate rescue efforts. 🏬 However, in challenging environments like dense urban areas or forests, GPS signals can often be degraded or obstructed by tall buildings or thick foliage, which can compromise the accuracy of location data. New initiatives like Next-Gen 911 (US), Next-Gen 999 (UK) and Next-Gen 112 (EU), aim to improve real-time location tracking to enhance emergency response times. In this article, we outline the role of GPS in these efforts, examine the causes of GPS inaccuracies and explore how enhanced precision can lead to more faster responses and potentially save more lives. 👉 Read now: https://lnkd.in/eRZ-nqUt #GNSS #PNT #Positioning

🏃 It’s the age of Strava artwork! Creative runners are turning their GPS-tracked routes into designs resembling animals, logos, and other whimsical shapes, sparking a trend with a dedicated fanbase. However, beyond fun designs, GPS is crucial for athletes, runners, and everyday fitness enthusiasts to plan their routes, stay safe, and accurately measure their performance. Many of us may have faced the frustration of our smartwatches misreporting the distance we’ve walked, jogged, or run. In an article for The Verge, Victoria Song explores some of the issues she faced when two different devices reported conflicting distances during a half-marathon. https://lnkd.in/e4VJGKWy Since then, wearable manufacturers have continued to make improvements, but GPS inaccuracies can still occur due to signal obstructions. 📍 In dense urban areas, signals reflect off tall buildings, causing 'multipath' errors and deviations in the recorded path. This is particularly challenging for major city marathons, such as those in London, Tokyo, and New York. A quick search reveals numerous runners lamenting the inconsistencies in their tracking data as they strive to beat their personal bests. 💡 What if we could enhance GPS accuracy at the chipset level? In our latest blog article, we explore why GPS inaccuracies happen, and how our technology aims to address these challenges. 👉 Read now: https://lnkd.in/eZyadnzj #WearableTechnology #GPS

Earlier this year, airlines experienced a surge in GPS spoofing attacks, with as many as 1,350 flights impacted per day. As reported by Forbes , these incidents typically involve illicit, ground-based GPS systems, and are particularly common in conflict zones, where spoofing may be used to mislead drones or missiles. https://lnkd.in/e3S4pjZZ GPS spoofing occurs when legitimate GPS signals are manipulated or falsified by malicious actors. These actors broadcast fake GPS signals that override authentic satellite signals, causing the affected GPS receivers to misinterpret their position, speed, and time. The goal of GPS spoofing is often to disrupt the operation of systems dependent on GPS, such as navigation systems in aircraft, ships, or vehicles. As the automotive industry advances toward autonomous vehicles, concerns grow around the increased reliance on automated vehicle systems rather than driver input. This poses potential security challenges for OEMs. In this white paper, GNSS expert Johannes Rossouw van der Merwe explores the risks for the automotive industry and outlines strategies for mitigating such threats to maintain safety and trust in AV systems. Download for free now: https://lnkd.in/ey2YkhQf #AutonomousVehicles #GNSS #VehicleSafety

GPS is one of the marvels of the modern world and plays a key role in our daily lives. As the demand for smarter, efficient services increases, so does the demand for greater GPS accuracy. Over the next 30 years, we’re advancing location technology to power autonomous vehicles, enhance smartphone navigation, and improve wearable device performance. Imagine a world in which self-driving cars navigate busy cities safely, ride-share drivers locate you with ease, and people feel safe, knowing they have adequate protection on our streets. We are dedicated to improving the lives of everyone who relies on positioning technology, and our vision for 2054 reflects our commitment. Watch our CEO Scott Pomerantz articulate our vision for the next 30 years and how our GPS software is transforming the way we navigate the world. Thank you to Molten Ventures for bringing our vision to life! #GNSS #PNT #Innovation #SmartCities