Inertial Navigation Altitude Correction via Reference Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inertial navigational devices face errors in estimating altitude due to failure in compensating for local pressure changes, leading to incorrect location tracking, especially in environments with changing climatic conditions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining a relative altitude of an inertial navigational device and using a reference device's known absolute altitude and rate of change in relative altitude to calculate an absolute altitude, accounting for calibration errors, thereby correcting altitude readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If barometric pressure sensors are used to estimate altitude in existing inertial navigational devices, then altitude data can be recorded and communicated to remote devices, but local pressure changes due to climatic conditions cannot be compensated, leading to altitude estimation errors
Solution Approach 1:
A reference device is introduced as an intermediary element with a known, stable absolute altitude. This reference device provides a baseline measurement that mediates between the barometric pressure sensor readings and the actual altitude, enabling the system to distinguish between pressure changes caused by altitude variations and those caused by local climatic conditions. The reference device acts as a stable reference point that allows correction of the inertial navigational device's altitude measurements.
2Loss of information
If barometric pressure sensors are used for altitude measurement, then altitude data can be obtained, but the system confuses local pressure changes with actual altitude changes, causing location tracking errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the reference device's known absolute altitude is continuously compared with the inertial navigational device's measured altitude. The difference between these measurements provides feedback information about local pressure changes, which is then used to correct the inertial navigational device's altitude readings. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain accurate altitude information despite local pressure variations.
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
This approach provides accurate altitude determination, enhancing location tracking precision by distinguishing between climatic influences and actual altitude changes, thereby improving user location monitoring within predefined areas.
Implementation Method 1
Most existing inertial navigational devices use barometric pressure sensors to aid in the estimation of altitude
Data Source
AI summary
A method of altitude correction of an inertial navigational device, the method comprising the steps of: receiving (205) a relative altitude of the inertial navigational device; obtaining (210) a rate of change of the relative altitude of a reference device; and calculating (215) an absolute altitude of the inertial navigational device based on the relative altitude of the inertial navigational device and the rate of change of the relative altitude of the reference device. The invention also provides for a device (505) such as base station, computer or a laptop to enable altitude correction of an inertial navigational device.