Location and path-map generation data acquisition and analysis systems

A method of providing data for generating and displaying a location or path-map on a device or system while an object is in motion, the method comprising:

• generating a plurality of first data signals with respect to an attitude of the object;
• generating a plurality of second data signals with respect to the attitude of the object;
• generating a plurality of temporally-spaced images using an imaging device;
• calculating a first heading direction (bearing) of a first path along which the object is traveling using the plurality of first data signals and the plurality of second data signals;
• while the object is still in motion along the first heading direction, identifying a first image taken by the imaging device at a first location on the first path and a temporally subsequent second image taken by the imaging device at a second location on the first path;
• identifying a most significant feature in the first image in common with the temporally subsequent second image;
• calculating a demagnification number using a relationship between at least one dimension of the most significant feature in the first image and the at least one dimension of said most significant feature in the second image;
• calculating a distance traveled by the object along the first path in the first heading direction using the calculated demagnification number;
• and
• translating the calculated heading direction and calculated distance traveled into a leg or portion of a leg of a path-map for visual display on the device or system.

A system for displaying location and path-map data of an object in motion, the system comprising:

• a first set of magnetic sensors for generating a plurality of first data signals with respect to an attitude of the object;
• a first set of inertial sensors for generating a plurality of second data signals with respect to the attitude of the object;
• an imaging device for generating a plurality of temporally-spaced images;
• a first processing device that is adapted to calculate a first heading direction (bearing) of a first path along which the object is traveling using the plurality of first data signals and the plurality of second data signals;
• a second processing device that is adapted to:
• while the object is still in motion along the first heading direction, identify a first image taken at a first location on the first path and a temporally subsequent second image taken at a second location on the first path;
• identify a most significant feature in the first image in common with the temporally subsequent second image;
• calculate a demagnification number using a relationship between at least one dimension of the most significant feature in the first image and the at least one dimension of said most significant feature in the second image;
• and
• calculate a distance traveled by the object along the first path in the first heading direction using the calculated demagnification number;
• a third processing device that is adapted to translate the calculated heading direction and the calculated distance traveled into a leg or portion of a leg of a path-map;
• and
• a two- or three-dimensional display screen for displaying the leg or leg portion.