Automatic heading and reference system
First Claim
1. A method of tilt compensating a magnetometer comprising the acts of:
- receiving a first signal from an infrared sensor;
receiving at least a second signal from said infrared sensor;
calculating a difference between said first and said at least a second signal;
determining a tilt of said magnetometer based on said difference between said first and said at least a second signal; and
tilt compensating said magnetometer based on said tilt of said magnetometer.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sensor system and method is disclosed which is substantially non-shock sensitive, inexpensive and small enough to be incorporated into most applications. The sensor system includes a magnetometer (preferably a triaxial magnetometer) and at least one infrared sensor. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor system includes at least four infrared sensors arranged substantially orthogonal to each other in a common plane horizontal to the earth'"'"'s surface. The infrared sensors generate signals that are analyzed by a processor to determine the tilt orientation of the object. Based on the tilt orientation of the object, the magnetometer is tilt compensated (preferably fully compensated). The sensor system may also include a global positioning system.
29 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of tilt compensating a magnetometer comprising the acts of:
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receiving a first signal from an infrared sensor;
receiving at least a second signal from said infrared sensor;
calculating a difference between said first and said at least a second signal;
determining a tilt of said magnetometer based on said difference between said first and said at least a second signal; and
tilt compensating said magnetometer based on said tilt of said magnetometer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for determining an orientation of an object comprising:
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at least one magnetometer secured to said object;
at least one infrared sensor secured to said object; and
a processor, said processor comparing an output signal generated by said at least one infrared sensor to determine a tilt of said sensor, wherein said processor tilt compensates said at least one magnetometer in response to said tilt of said object. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A system for determining an orientation of an object comprising:
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at least four infrared sensors secured to said object, said at least four infrared sensors directed substantially 90 degrees apart in substantially parallel planes to each other;
a triaxial magnetometer secured to said object; and
a processor coupled to said at least four infrared sensors and said triaxial magnetometer, said processor receiving output signals from said at least four infrared sensors and calculating a tilt of said object based on a difference between said signals and compensating said magnetometer based on said calculated tilt. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification