No title available

• US 3,636,323 A
• Filed:
• Issued:
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: N/A
• Original Assignee: N/A
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/500
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/18 Stabilised platforms, e.g. by gyroscope
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 1/02 using radio waves G01S19/00 takes precedence

Abstract

A system and method for tracking its own geographic position, comparing that position with stored boundary data, i.e., a '"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"'map, '"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"' and responding whenever the apparatus crosses the boundary as defined on the '"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"'map.'"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"' In operation, inertial measurements are processed to produce signals representative of computed position. These signals are compared with stored positional data, whereupon a response mechanism may be activated. The system includes a means for determining its motion state so that the system can calibrate itself when there is no significant motion. Thus, the system offers new options for the use of conventional as well as nuclear weapons, as well as for other type of vehicle position determination.

Claims

1. A geographic position locator system comprising:

means for determining the system'"'"''"'"'s geographic position including means for evaluating motion thereof;

means for comparing the determined position with stored boundary data;

means for determining the condition of the system;

means responding to output signals from said comparing means and said condition determining means for effecting the condition of an associated vehicle;

mean for providing the necessary power distribution from an associated power source throughout the system;

said first-mentioned means comprising an inertial measuring means for determining at least gravity and acceleration forces, a navigation computer means connected to receive at least acceleration output signals from said inertial measuring means and for directing at least gyrotorquing signals thereto;

said means for evaluating motion comprising a motion evaluator connected to receive motion signals and connected to transmit to said navigation computer means signals defining start and stop motions.

2. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said navigation computer means includes a navigate mode and a partial calibration mode, and wherein said start and stop motion signals from said motion evaluator are respectively directed to said navigate mode and said partial calibration mode of said navigation computer means.

3. The system defined in claim 2, wherein said motion signals received by said motion evaluator are directed thereto from said navigation computer means.

4. The system defined in claim 3, wherein said means for comparing the determined position with stored boundary data comprises an area comparator means connected to receive a geographic position determination from said navigation computer means.

5. The system defined in claim 4, wherein said stored boundary data of said area comparator means includes at least a usable description of selected geographic areas.

6. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said means for determining the condition of the system includes system condition sensor means and a system condition evaluator means, said system condition sensor means being constructed to sense environment conditions and internal system conditions, and for directing an output of such sensed conditions to said system condition evaluator means.

7. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said means for providing the necessary power to the system includes at least an internal power source, and a power-conditioning means, said power-conditioning means being constructed to receive power from at least said internal power source and distribute the power as required throughout the system.

8. The system defined in claim 1, additionally including each of means encompassing tamper protection said before defined means of said system;

and wherein said means for determining the condition of the system includes means for sensing unauthorized penetration of said system tamper protection-encompassing means.

9. The system defined in claim 1, including means for directing communications to said first-mentioned means and to said condition-determining means.