Patent ID: 7472032
Filing Date: 2008-12-30
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
1. A multi-axis sensor arrangement, comprising: a) a plurality of 2n piezoelectric oscillators including at least three pairs of piezoelectric oscillators, wherein n is the number of axes of interest, each piezoelectric oscillator of said plurality of 2n being one of a pair of said piezoelectric oscillators, each oscillator of said pair i) having a principal operational axis disposed in a direction opposite to the other of said pair, ii) including a resonator and ancillary electronic circuitry, iii) being subject to environmental effects including acceleration, mechanical shock, temperature variations, and vibration, iv) being subject to systematic effects including aging, frequency drift, and time offset, said plurality of 2n piezoelectric oscillators defining an oscillator ensemble capable of providing outputs including each of frequency and phase readings; b) controller means employing dynamic relationships between said plurality of said oscillators in said ensemble to determine a magnitude of correction needed, and to produce estimated weighting factors for each said frequency and phase reading output from each said oscillator to correct for both said environmental and said systematic effects.