Navigation by ocean surface topography

US9653003B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Juha-Pekka J. Laine · Boston, US
• Gregory P. Blasche · Burlington, US
• Paul Bohn · St. Petersburg, US
• Robin Mark Adrian Dawson · Waltham, US
• Walter D. Foley · Colton, US
• Benjamin F. Lane · Grafton, US
• Sean McClain · Somerville, US
• Erik L. Waldron · Concord, US
• Stephen P. Smith · Acton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 3, 2015
• Grant date: May 16, 2017
• Expiry date: Mar 3, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06F30/20
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods and apparatus ascertain a geographic position based on topographic contours of ocean surfaces. Observed ocean topographic contours are matched to predicted ocean topography and/or ocean topographic information stored in a database. Such systems and methods do not necessarily require INS, GPS, RF beacons, optical beacons or celestial sightings. These systems and methods may be used as references to correct INS. These systems and methods may be used to ascertain a geographic location of an aircraft, spacecraft, watercraft, landcraft (vehicle), person or the like. Similarly, these systems and methods may be used as part of a guidance system for guiding a craft to a destination. These systems and methods may be used in tandem with, or as backups for, other types of navigation or guidance systems or as one input to a navigation filter.