Altitude Correction Signal for Simulation Ground Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical systems face inaccuracies in recreating near-ground aircraft maneuvers due to errors in position and altitude sensing technologies, leading to inconsistencies between altitude data and terrain models, which are impractical to correct manually.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to automatically identify 'on-ground' data points by analyzing ground speed, vertical speed, and oscillation frequency, generating an altitude correction signal to reconcile altitude data with terrain models, or modifying the terrain model to match accurate altitude data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual user input is used to correct altitude inaccuracies, then the altitude information can be reconciled at one location, but the problem worsens at other locations due to GPS signal variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of on-ground data points and generates altitude correction signals before the simulation is executed. By pre-processing the altitude data to identify discrepancies between GPS readings and terrain models at confirmed ground contact points, the system creates correction signals that can be automatically applied throughout the entire trip, eliminating the need for manual adjustments at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple data sources including GPS altitude readings, terrain model elevations, ground speed, vertical speed, and oscillation frequency to continuously identify on-ground points. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically generate location-specific correction signals that adapt to varying GPS signal conditions at different locations, improving both altitude accuracy and location adaptability.
2Productivity
If inaccurate recorded altitude data is used in virtual environment, then the aircraft can be depicted in the simulation, but the aircraft is depicted offset from the ground by the amount of altitude error
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically identifying on-ground data points and generating altitude correction signals without requiring manual user intervention. The algorithm autonomously processes the trip data, compares GPS altitude readings with terrain model elevations at confirmed ground contact points, and generates correction signals that are automatically applied to the simulation, maintaining both high productivity and ground level accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple error sources are resolved in virtual recreation, then the simulation accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases due to multiple correction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple correction requirements into a unified correction signal generation process. By combining altitude data, terrain model information, ground speed, vertical speed, and oscillation frequency analysis into a single integrated algorithm, the system resolves multiple error sources (altitude source errors, terrain model errors, and model referencing errors) through one cohesive mechanism rather than separate correction systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reconciling ground-level discrepancies between the displayed path of a moving body and a terrain model in a graphical simulation, including the steps of (1) examining the individual data points describing a recorded trip by a vehicle, (2) determining which of the data points correspond to points when the vehicle was actually on the ground, (3) determining the altitude difference between the recorded altitude data and the terrain model at each of the determined “on-ground” points, and (4) using the altitude difference to create a correction signal which can be applied either to the recorded altitude data or the terrain model.