초록 ▼

A terrain correlation system for use in conjunction with an inertial navigation system of a vehicle is provided which can update position information and which is both independent of altitude and compatible with varying course paths. In the preferred embodiment, reference terrain altitude maps are c

A terrain correlation system for use in conjunction with an inertial navigation system of a vehicle is provided which can update position information and which is both independent of altitude and compatible with varying course paths. In the preferred embodiment, reference terrain altitude maps are converted to reference map transformation values. The reference map transformation values are used in conjunction with a terrain correlation process to establish vehicle position. The system also is able to select reference map scenes to the left, right, front or rear of present vehicle position so that curved travel paths can be updated in a manner similar to more conventional straight line vehicle paths.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having thus described the invention, what is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:] [1.]1. In a navigation system for a vehicle including a navigation computer for generating a predetermined course, means for determining the distance of the vehicle from the terrain of which it is

[ Having thus described the invention, what is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:] [1.]1. In a navigation system for a vehicle including a navigation computer for generating a predetermined course, means for determining the distance of the vehicle from the terrain of which it is traversing, said distance determining means comprising radar means for directing radiation toward the terrain and for receiving a radar return back from the terrain, and means for storing at least one reference map in data form corresponding to the terrain over which the predetermined course is to traverse, the improvement comprising means for transforming the reference map data to simulated data based on at least a known distance of the vehicle from the terrain over which the vehicle is traveling and on simulated radar returns from the terrain at said known distance, means for comparing the simulated data to data representative of the actual distance from said terrain, and means for determining the position of said vehicle with respect to said map based on said comparison.