Interactive position guidance apparatus and method for guiding a user to reach a predetermined target position
US5798733A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/105
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A position guidance apparatus is a microprocessor based tool used to aid a parachute jumper in reaching a predetermined target position in an interactive manner. The device is particularly valuable in aiding those who have to do parachute jumps under hazardous conditions such as at night, into terrain with no visible orientation features, or into terrain wherein a precisely located landing is desired. The position guidance apparatus provides locational/directional guidance in a visual and potentially audible manner to guide the user in steering himself into an appropriate targeted landing zone. The apparatus is one that is preferably strapped onto the forearm of a user and provides a small graphical display of current position, target position, and predicted destination position. Alternatively, the display can be implemented as a heads-up display for the user. The display further relays instruction information to the user to vary the predicted destination position and thereby minimize deviation from a predetermined target position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.