Inertial Sensor Tracking System
First Claim
1. A tracking system comprising:
- an inertial sensor for producing velocity data in response to its movement;
a computer in wireless communication with the inertial sensor and programmed to translate the velocity data into location data indicative of a location of the inertial sensor;
an underground reset station at which the inertial sensor is positionable for resetting alignment of the inertial sensor to a home position; and
a pair of underground geodetic survey monuments to facilitate alignment of the inertial sensor to the home position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The INERTIAL SENSOR TRACKING SYSTEM is an overall system installation consisting of wireless body pack transmitters, broadband telemetry transceivers, computer and monitoring equipment, and emergency power generation for tracking personnel in an underground mine environment. The system is designed to function with normal primary power and on battery operation in the event of an emergency. In the past inertial sensors have been large spinning mass gyroscopes and large mass-based accelerometers. These inertial sensors have required high voltage three phase electrical supplies. The “wearable” body pack must be battery operated and the sensors must be small and lightweight. Micro-Electro-Mechanical (MEM) sensors fulfill both the requirements of low weight and low power consumption. The accuracy of the MEM sensor has been developed sufficiently to incorporate, with de-noising algorithms, an accurate position-sensing device. The proliferation of broadband TCP/IP protocol based RF systems provides a standardized medium of transmission, which will work in an underground environment.
40 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A tracking system comprising:
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an inertial sensor for producing velocity data in response to its movement; a computer in wireless communication with the inertial sensor and programmed to translate the velocity data into location data indicative of a location of the inertial sensor; an underground reset station at which the inertial sensor is positionable for resetting alignment of the inertial sensor to a home position; and a pair of underground geodetic survey monuments to facilitate alignment of the inertial sensor to the home position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method comprising the steps of:
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setting alignment of an inertial sensor to a home position using a pair of underground geodetic survey monuments; moving the inertial sensor to produce velocity data therewith; transmitting the velocity data via a wireless signal to a computer; and translating with the computer the transmitted velocity data into location data indicative of a location of the inertial sensor. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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20. A tracking system comprising:
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an inertial sensor for producing velocity data in response to its movement; a computer in wireless communication with the inertial sensor and programmed to translate the velocity data into location data indicative of a location of the inertial sensor; a wireless transmitter in communication with the inertial sensor for transmitting the velocity data via a wireless signal; a battery for powering the transmitter; and an underground charging and reset station at which the inertial sensor is positionable for charging the battery and resetting alignment of the inertial sensor to a home position. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23)
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Specification