초록 ▼

A method for calibrating a sensor mounted on an aircraft includes the steps of: using an optical device to create reference points which define a reference line that is parallel to both horizontal and vertical planes of the sensor, and using the reference line to calibrate the sensor with respect to

A method for calibrating a sensor mounted on an aircraft includes the steps of: using an optical device to create reference points which define a reference line that is parallel to both horizontal and vertical planes of the sensor, and using the reference line to calibrate the sensor with respect to a reference coordinate system.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method for calibrating a sensor mounted on an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of: using an optical device to create reference points which define a reference line that is parallel to both horizontal and vertical planes of the sensor; and using the reference line t

What is claimed is: 1. A method for calibrating a sensor mounted on an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of: using an optical device to create reference points which define a reference line that is parallel to both horizontal and vertical planes of the sensor; and using the reference line to calibrate the sensor with respect to a reference coordinate system by sending an orient message to an inertial navigation unit reflecting corrections that force the inertial navigation unit to report its heading and pitch in a coordinate frame of the sensor. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of using the reference line to calibrate the sensor with respect to a reference coordinate system comprises the step of: adding corrections to heading and pitch angles reported by an inertial navigation unit. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein: the reference coordinate system is established by an inertial navigation system. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein: the reference line is parallel to a horizontal plane of the sensor and a vertical plane of the sensor. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises: an antenna. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the antenna comprises: a planar array of elements. 7. A method for calibrating a sensor mounted on an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of: using an optical device to create reference points which define a reference line that is parallel to both horizontal and vertical planes of the sensor; using the reference line to calibrate the sensor with respect to a reference coordinate system by directing an optical beam through first and second irises connected to the sensor; and using the optical beam to establish first and second reference points. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: determining the locations of the first and second reference points. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the locations of the first and second reference points are determined using a global positioning system. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of using the reference line to calibrate the sensor with respect to a reference coordinate system comprises the step of: adding corrections to heading and pitch angles reported by an inertial navigation unit. 11. The method of claim 7, wherein: the reference coordinate system is established by an inertial navigation system. 12. The method of claim 7, wherein: the reference line is parallel to a horizontal plane of the sensor and a vertical plane of the sensor. 13. The method of claim 7, wherein the sensor comprises: an antenna. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the antenna comprises: a planar array of elements.