Importance

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Abstract

The system determines the orientation, r, of an excavator or other machine sitting on a sloped portion of-a construction or work site with respect to the direction across the site in which there is no slope. This direction across the site in which there is no slope is perpendicular to the direction of the fall line of the sloped portion. The system includes a first inclinometer for determining the pitch angle, Pitch, of the machine and providing a pitch angle output. The system includes a second inclinometer for determining the roll angle, Roll, of the machine and for providing a roll angle output. Finally, the system includes a processor, responsive to said pitch angle output and said roll angle output, with the processor determining the orientation, r, according to one of the following: r=sin.sup.-1 [Pitch/(Pitch.sup.2+Roll.sup.2).sup.1/2]; or r=cos.sup.-1 [Roll/(Pitch.sup.2+Roll.sup.2).sup.1/2]; or r=tan.sup.-1 [Pitch/Roll]. The first and second inclinometers may comprise a single, dual axis inclinometer, or they may comprise a pair of appropriately oriented inclinometers. The system may use only one of the three formulae continuously, or may select various ones of the formulae for use at various times, depending upon which formula is judged to provide the most accurate indication of orientation. For example, the formula may be selected based upon the quadrant in which the longitudinal axis of the machine is oriented.

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First Claim