Elevation tracking device
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
InventorsMichael R Sedillo, Gregory M Burnett, David P Sardo, Sean D Sherman, Nathan R Stover
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Abstract
The systems and methods provided herein are directed to a device for tracking a jumper's elevation during a parachute jump. The device includes an active sensor for monitoring a distance to the ground, which is disposed at an angle and transmitted from the jumper's calf to reduce the chance of self-obstruction. The device notifies the jumper in one of several ways when a threshold elevation is reached, and may take additional automated actions at particular elevation thresholds.
Claims8
An elevation tracking device, comprising:
- an active sensor configured to project a signal at a downward angle while worn by a jumper during a parachute jump, and to receive the signal when reflected from the ground in order to determine an elevation of the jumper;
- an illumination array positioned such that, upon activation during a jump, the array is configured and positioned to illuminate a ground area below the jumper;
- and
- a controller configured to receive elevation data from the active sensor and, in response to determining that the jumper's elevation is past a predetermined threshold, provide a notification to the jumper, and wherein the controller activates the illumination array during the jump based on the received elevation data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.