GPS World

Tag: wearable technology

  • Topcon and DAQRI collaborate on wearable tech for construction

    Topcon and DAQRI collaborate on wearable tech for construction

    Topcon Positioning Group is collaborating with DAQRI, an augmented reality company, on wearable technology designed to change the way construction and survey professionals interface with the job site.

    DAQRI is the creator of the DAQRI Smart Helmet, an industrial-grade wearable that seamlessly connects humans to their work environments by providing information about the world around them.

    Topcon and DAQRI will work together to create a solution designed to make workers on the job safer and more productive through the use of augmented reality technologies. They plan to do this by integrating DAQRI’s hardware and software solutions with Topcon positioning solutions.

    The DAQRI Smart Helmet was designed for the industrial workplace. It includes an advanced sensor package, an intuitive user interface that requires zero calibration, and a battery that lasts a full shift.
    The DAQRI Smart Helmet was designed for the industrial workplace. It includes an advanced sensor package, an intuitive user interface that requires zero calibration, and a battery that lasts a full shift.

    Powered by 4D Studio, DAQRI’s software platform for positioning, the partnership will allow construction workers to view information from their projects in the real-world work environment to make their workflows safer and more efficient.

    The collaboration is designed to bring wearable technology to a wider AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) user base, empowering the wearer with a hands-free tool that can be used on the job, Topcon said in a news release.

    “DAQRI is a leader in providing solutions in outdoor environments, which will meld well with our positioning and software innovations,” said Jason Hallett, Topcon vice president of product management. “It’s the first step in utilizing our mutual synergies to develop rugged, heads-up display technology for our marketplace.”

    “We are committed to developing innovative solutions that power the future of work and Topcon is at the forefront of the industry with some of the most innovative products that are being used by millions of workers across a variety of environments,” said Matt Kammerait, vice president of product, DAQRI. “This makes them the perfect partner to integrate the Smart Helmet into existing workflows. We look forward to seeing how our partnership re-defines the nature of ‘work,’ by setting a new standard for wearables in the AEC space.”

  • OriginGPS Unveils Multi-GNSS Module with Antenna for Wearables

    OriginGPS Unveils Multi-GNSS Module with Antenna for Wearables

    The Multi Micro Hornet by OriginGPS was designed small with wearables in mind.
    The Multi Micro Hornet by OriginGPS was designed small with wearables in mind.

    OriginGPS has launched the Multi Micro Hornet, a tiny fully integrated multiple constellation antenna module. The innovative architecture packs functionality and high-quality components in a small space to improve wearables’ fashion and function, the company said.

    “A recent study by the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency (GSA) showed that multi-constellation is becoming a standard feature in today’s user equipment,” said Gal Jacobi, CEO of OriginGPS. “Developers of wearables need modules with these features in the smallest size possible to be competitive in a market the GSA predicts will reach 14 million by 2023.”

    GPS World reported on the GSA market report in its April issue, and held a webinar on the report on April 16, which can be viewed for free.

    The Multi Micro Hornet is designed for devices that require a small form factor, low power consumption, and high sensitivity. In keeping with the company’s “Mini + Mighty” corporate mantra, OriginGPS has reduced the total volume in size by over 68 percent of other GNSS antenna modules without sacrificing performance, the company claims.

    The Multi Micro Hornet by OriginGPS.
    The Multi Micro Hornet by OriginGPS.

    The Multi Micro Hornet has features that will improve the navigation experience of wearables and other Internet of Things devices, including:

    • Small size, high performance: Despite its miniature outline of 10 x 10 mm and height of 5.9 mm, the Multi Micro Hornet module offers superior sensitivity and outstanding performance, achieving rapid Time To First Fix (TTFF) of less than one second, accuracy within as little as one meter, and sensitivity at -165 dBm by tracking both GPS and GLONASS constellations simultaneously.
    • High sensitivity and noise immunity: The Multi Micro Hornet continues to leverage OriginGPS’ patented and proprietary Noise Free Zone NFZ technology to ensure high sensitivity and noise immunity even under marginal signal conditions.
    • Reduced power consumption without compromising connectivity: It detects changes in context, temperature, and satellite signals to achieve a state of near continuous availability. By opportunistically updating its internal fine time, frequency and satellite ephemeris data, the Multi Micro Hornet is able to stay connected while consuming mere microwatts of battery power.
    • An intelligent design that shortens time to market: The Hornet family of GPS / GNSS antenna modules integrates a GNSS receiver and patch antenna in a single module. As a cornerstone of the OriginGPS portfolio, the Multi Micro Hornet’s pin-to-pin compatibility with the Micro and Nano Hornet modules ensures a seamless migration from GPS to GNSS and gives developers the ability to create new product offerings in the shortest time to market while minimizing costly design risks. Developers can connect it to a power source on a single layer PCB and be off and running.

    Additionally, the Multi Micro Hornet module combines OriginGPS’ proprietary low-profile GPS+GLONASS antenna with a dual-stage LNA, RF LDO, SAW filter, TCXO, RTC crystal and RF shield with SiRFstarV GNSS system on chip.