Adaptive multi-axis sensor array
US7472032B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C21/183
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor array made up of 2n piezoelectric oscillators (preferably paired quartz oscillators) is provided in which n equals the number of axes of interest and each one of the pairs of oscillators has a principle axis directed oppositely from the other of its pair. A controller which preferably includes a microprocessor, makes use of the dynamic relationships of the sensors in the array to adaptively assess the magnitude of weighting factors needed to correct the output signal from each oscillator for environmental and systematic effects to provide optimum frequency and phase output for computing position, velocity, and acceleration. Preferably, a seventh reference oscillator is provided in the center of the array which is canted relative to each of the three orthogonal axes by 45°. This adaptive sensor array is capable of determining position within one meter along any of the x, y, and z axes without the need for any external (e.g., GPS) signal. In addition, unlike other sensor systems, it is capable of providing local vertical on a continuous basis. The array can also determine if an object is moving in any translational or rotational direction, within the measurement capabilities…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.