Using KNN Algorithm Predictor for Data Synchronization of Ultra-Tight GNSS/INS Integration

The INS system’s update rate is faster than that of the GNSS receiver. Additionally, GNSS receiver data may suffer from blocking for a few seconds for different reasons, affecting architecture integrations between GNSS and INS. This paper proposes a novel GNSS data prediction method using the k nearest neighbor (KNN) predictor algorithm to treat data synchronization between the INS sensors and GNSS receiver and overcome those GNSS receiver’s blocking, which may occur for a few seconds. The experimental work was conducted on a flying drone over a minor Hungarian (Mátyásföld, 47.4992 N, 19.1977 E) model airfield. The GNSS data are predicted by four different scenarios: the first is no blocking of data, and the other three have blocking periods of 1, 4, and 8 s, respectively. Ultra-tight architecture integration is used to perform the GNSS/INS integration to deal with the INS sensors’ inaccuracy and their divergence throughout the operation. The results show that using the GNSS/INS integration system yields better positioning data (in three axes (X, Y, and Z)) than using a stand-alone INS system or GNSS without a predictor.