System and method for determining orientation relative to earth
US9453731B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C21/24
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for determining the orientation of a fixture relative to the Earth includes at least one sensor configured to detect a celestial body and provide signals indicative of a plurality of positions of a detected celestial body relative to the sensor over a period of time. The system further includes a processor configured to receive information relating to a time and date associated with the period of time during which the celestial body is detected, and information relating to an expected relationship between the detected celestial body and the Earth at the time and date. The processor is further configured to determine the orientation of the fixture relative to the Earth based on signals from the at least one sensor, and the information relating to the time and date and the expected relationship between the detected celestial body and the Earth at the time and date.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.