A Personal Dead Reckoning Module

Abstract

Point Research Corporation of Santa Ana, CA has developed a new lightweight miniature Dead Reckoning Module (DRM) for drift-free navigation by personnel on foot. The traditional compass and pace-count dead reckoning navigation has been replaced by a continuous hands-free module. An internal solid-state 3 dimensional compass provides a robust tilt-corrected heading. We automate step counting with an electronic pedometer. The pager-sized module also includes a barometric altimeter. The module reports data, and is controlled via bi-directional RS-232 serial interface. A second serial port on the module may be connected to a GPS receiver. When GPS is available, the module will blend the data with DR using a Kalman filter. It provides a seamless navigation solution through many buildings, in canyons, or other areas where the GPS signal is compromised. The DRM is protected under U.S. patent number 5,583,776.