Method and apparatus for estimating the direction of a vehicle using signals from two GPS antenna.

摘要

An apparatus for estimating the direction of a vehicle uses two antenna located at different positions on a vehicle. Speed vectors are then calculated for each position. A position of the GPS antenna in a local geodetic coordinate system is then calculated on the basis of the speed vectors. Form the resultant calculations the direction of the vehicle can then be determined. The calculation may be achieved by integrating the speed vectors with respect to time and displacing the reference positions of the antenna, wherein the displacement is correspond to the local geodetic system. The direction may only be calculated if the speed vectors are within a predetermined range. The calculations may be combined with information on the size of the vehicle to determine a spatial occupancy area.