Sensors combine in dead reckoning module

The DRM 4000 gives an accurate position derived from dead reckoning data and external GPS NMEA data disciplined by an internal Kalman filter.

Available from Inertial Aerosystems is a new affordable miniature electronic board module for personnel on foot that provides the user's position relative to a preselected point.

Manufactured by US based Honeywell, the Dead Reckoning Module (DRM) 4000 gives an accurate position derived from dead reckoning data and external GPS NMEA data disciplined by an internal Kalman filter.

This innovative product can operate accurately with intermittent GPS signals.

When GPS data is available, the dead reckoning sensors are calibrated continuously and the two data sources are blended into a composite real time position data output.

If GPS data is unavailable dead reckoning takes over.

In dead reckoning mode, position accuracy of 2% of distance travelled is achievable.

Patented motion classification algorithms analyse walking motion, and compensate when the user is running or in semi static mode.

Automatic compass orientation algorithms provide accurate azimuth information when the user is upright or prone.

Gyros are incorporated to compensate for transient magnetic and accelerations that could interfere with compass operation.

A barometric altimeter provides vertical position accurate to 1.5m for discrimination between floors of a building.

This versatile device weighs only 25g and measures 50.8 x 50.8 x 12.7mm, ideal for mounting on the user's torso, with no additional sensors required.

Power consumption is less than 0.5W from a 2.8 to 5.2V DC supply.

Sensors include three gyros, three accelerometers and three magnetometers and operate accurately within a temperature range of -40 to +85C.

Applications primarily include personnel tracking such as fire, police, security and military, real-time waypoint navigation, disaster relief operations, tunnels etc, but the DRM 4000 has uses in the manufacturing, processing and engineering industries.

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