Charles A Baird

Introduction

Charles A. Baird is a notable inventor residing in Melbourne Beach, Florida, recognized for his innovative contributions to navigation technology. With a total of four patents to his name, Baird has been instrumental in advancing systems that enhance target ranging and vehicle navigation accuracy. His work primarily focuses on leveraging digital terrain data to improve estimation systems, ultimately refining how vehicles and targets are tracked in various environments.

Latest Patents

Baird's most recent patents showcase his expertise in utilizing stored digital terrain data. One of his significant innovations is the "Terrain Aided Passive Range Estimation." This technology employs a passive ranging system which utilizes a Kalman filter algorithm to accurately locate ground-based targets by fusing angular measurements with terrain data. The system calculates the slant range to the target's line of sight vector, thus providing updated estimates based on terrain slope. The algorithm demonstrates its efficacy through Monte Carlo simulations using real terrain data, highlighting the impact of measurement noise and terrain factors on estimation accuracy.

Another important patent is the "Elevation Map-Referenced Mechanism for Updating Vehicle Navigation." This invention addresses drift correction in aircraft navigation systems. By utilizing a digital map database and periodic altimeter readings, Baird's mechanism accurately updates the position estimates for aircraft. This ensures that the aircraft's actual flight path closely aligns with the predicted path by compensating for long-term navigation errors through effective correction methods.

Career Highlights

Charles A. Baird has made significant contributions to the field of navigation technology during his career at Harris Corporation. His work stands out for its practical applications in military and civilian aviation, where accurate navigation and target tracking are crucial. Baird's innovations reflect an ongoing commitment to enhancing technological reliability in complex environments.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Baird has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Noel Collins and Guy M. Pelchat. These partnerships have likely contributed to the development of his innovative patents and have enriched the collaborative environment at Harris Corporation.

Conclusion

Charles A. Baird exemplifies the spirit of innovation through his patents and collaborations in navigation technology. His work not only advances technical methodologies but also serves the broader community reliant on accurate navigation systems. As an inventor, Baird continues to pave the way for future advancements in the field.