Barometric Altimeter Temperature Compensation Database

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing barometric altimeters face challenges in accurately calculating altitude due to reliance on default sea-level temperature values, requiring manual entry of latitude and longitude, which is not intuitive and consumes significant storage capacity, limiting their usability and precision.

Innovation Solution

A portable barometric altimeter with a correction circuit that selects reference temperature from a database based on date and predefined climate values, adjusting for hemisphere and daily temperature variations, allowing for easy and precise altitude calculation without complex user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual entry of latitude and longitude is required for temperature selection, then altitude calculation precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealtitude calculation precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The altimeter automatically determines the wearer's position using integrated GPS satellite reception means and autonomously selects the appropriate reference temperature from the database based on the obtained geographical coordinates, eliminating the need for manual user input while maintaining calculation precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical input method (user entering coordinates) is replaced by an automated electronic system that uses GPS satellite signals to automatically acquire position data and retrieve the corresponding temperature reference, substituting user action with automated technological means

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a comprehensive database with latitude and longitude-based temperature values is used, then altitude calculation precision is improved, but storage capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealtitude calculation precisionVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and stores only the essential reference temperature values in the database corresponding to different geographical positions, rather than storing all possible atmospheric parameters, thereby reducing storage requirements while maintaining the ability to perform accurate altitude calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference temperature database serves multiple functions: it provides temperature compensation for altitude calculations, works in conjunction with GPS positioning, and can be updated or modified based on different operational scenarios, maximizing the utility of the stored data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive climate data for different regions is stored, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The geographical area is segmented into discrete database entries with specific latitude and longitude coordinates, allowing the system to handle different regions through a structured, modular approach rather than requiring complex continuous spatial algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a user-friendly and cost-effective altimeter that offers precise altitude calculations by simplifying the selection process through climate-based temperature adjustments, reducing storage needs and eliminating the need for manual entry of geographical coordinates.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor (14) connected to a calculation unit (16) designed to determine an altitude value (H) as a function of the pressure (P) measured by the sensor (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBarometric pressure measurement: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP1857776B1Barometric altimeter with a temperature compensating device
Publication Date: 2009.12.23 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE
  • EP1857776B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1857776B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The altimeter (10) has a calculation unit (16) which determines an altitude value (H) as a function of a pressure measured by a pressure sensor (14) and as a function of a reference temperature corresponding to an estimate of the temperature of an air mass at a sea level. A time measuring unit (18) supplies a calendar data. A correction circuit (32) selects a reference temperature value from a series of values contained in a database stored in the altimeter, as a function of a date (D) and as a function of a predefined climate value (C). An independent claim is also included for a method of determining altitude for a portable barometric altimeter.