Use of a new pedometric dead reckoning module in GPS denied environments

Abstract

Honeywell has developed a new Dead Reckoning Module, the DRMreg4000. Pedometric Dead Reckoning (DR) navigation errors are sensitive to compass accuracy. New compass calibration algorithms in the module enable a factory level of accuracy to be achieved in practical field installations. We discuss a range of testing with special attention to indoor environments. Indoor magnetic anomalies can compromise the DR accuracy. However, the anomalies generate a unique fingerprint at a given location. A patent pending correlation technique can be used to detect this fingerprint when a user revisits the same location. This puts bounds on the growth of position errors. The same technique can be used to reduce systematic errors when operated in magnetically benign environments. We give step-by-step application examples of the technique.