North Referencing Goniometer Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing north-referencing methods, such as magnetic compasses, are imprecise and unreliable, especially in adverse environmental conditions, and require expensive, large, and heavy high-precision gyroscopes for accurate azimuth determination, making them unsuitable for portable and field-use applications.
Innovation Solution
A north-referencing goniometer using a single gyroscope with a rotary part and an acceleration sensor, which can be manually rotated into predefined positions to correct systematic measurement errors, allowing for accurate determination of the geographic north pole without the need for exact horizontal alignment or expensive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic compass alignment is used for north referencing, then the device is simple and lightweight, but the measurement precision is insufficient and reliability is poor in adverse environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based compass system with a mechanically-oriented gyroscope system that measures the Earth's rotation vector. This substitution eliminates susceptibility to magnetic interference from electrical systems, steel constructions, and electromagnetic fields, providing reliable north referencing in adverse environmental conditions while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If high-precision gyroscopes are used for accurate azimuth determination, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device weight and size increase making it unsuitable for portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a simplified measurement procedure that requires only three specific rotational positions (0°, 60°, and 120°) rather than continuous or more frequent measurements. This partial action approach allows tactical-grade gyroscopes with lower inherent precision to achieve sufficient azimuth determination accuracy through systematic error compensation, enabling portable application implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by requiring manual rotation to specific predefined positions (0°, 60°, 120°) and using an acceleration sensor to monitor and compensate for sinking rates. These parameter changes enable the use of lighter tactical-grade gyroscopes while maintaining measurement precision through error correction.
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring and correction procedures are implemented, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the time required for north referencing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by requiring measurements at three specific rotational positions (0°, 60°, and 120°) rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic sampling approach maintains measurement precision through systematic error compensation while significantly reducing the time required for north referencing compared to continuous correction procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the acceleration sensor to detect and compensate for sinking rates before they significantly affect measurement precision. The system proactively corrects for systematic errors arising from base sinking, maintaining azimuth accuracy without requiring continuous time-consuming monitoring and adjustment.
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
Enables rapid and accurate north referencing with tactical-grade gyroscopes, providing an error-tolerant method for determining the azimuth angle with a known accuracy, suitable for field use and portable devices, while minimizing component size and weight.
Implementation Method 1
a gyroscope fixed on the rotary part with a measurement direction orthogonal to the vertical axis for determining a component of the earth's rotation vector
Implementation Method 2
an acceleration sensor with a measuring direction orthogonal to the standing axis and to the measuring direction of the gyroscope
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The northern referenceable goniometer (1) comprises a gyroscope fixed on a rotary element (3) with a measuring unit (21,31) aligned orthogonal to a vertical axis (34) for determining a component of the earth rotation vectors. An acceleration sensor is provided on the rotary element with another measuring unit (22,32), which is fixed orthogonal to the former measuring unit of the gyroscope. The systematic measurement error of the gyroscope is corrected by measurement values of the component of the earth rotation vectors in three different rotational positions. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a method for determination of azimuth angle relative to north pole; and (2) a computer program product with a program code.