Geometrical instruments – Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media – Magnetic field responsive
Patent
1987-04-22
1988-12-20
Martin, Jr., William D.
Geometrical instruments
Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media
Magnetic field responsive
33361, 364457, G01C 1730
Patent
active
047917296
ABSTRACT:
An electronic compass and method. The electronic compass includes circuitry for generating a control signal and circuitry responsive to the control signal for producing reference signals having a frequency established by the control signal. The compass also includes circuitry for phase shifting the reference signals to generate an output signal shifted by a phase shift which is a function of the angle between a reference heading of the compass and the direction of the magnetic flux lines of the earth's magnetic field in a local area. Further, the compass includes circuitry for monitoring the frequency of one of the reference signals, for varying the control signal to thereby cause reference signals having a predetermined frequency, and for measuring the phase shift between the monitored reference signal and the output signal to calculate the angle between the heading of the compass and the direction of the magnetic flux lines of the earth's magnetic field in a local area. Methods of determining the angle between the heading of a compass and the direction of the magnetic flux lines of the earth's magnetic field in a local area are also disclosed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4179741 (1979-12-01), Rossani
patent: 4424631 (1984-01-01), Franks
patent: 4442609 (1984-04-01), Senoo
patent: 4622754 (1986-11-01), Chujo et al.
patent: 4660161 (1987-04-01), Okada
LandOfFree
Electronic compass and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Electronic compass and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electronic compass and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1903012