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dead reckoning
n.
A method of estimating the position of an aircraft or a ship (or, in our case, a robot) without astronomical observations(sensor inputs), as by applying to a previously determined position the course and distance traveled since.
I think this definition works; if you have no sensor inputs, then you know you started in the gray area, and you know to get up the ramp you have to go around the edge of the ramp. If a robot uses sensors that indicate its position, then it isn't a dead reckoning. For example, you're on a ship with Captain Nathaniel Bowditch. He sights the sun, and you are in the Atlantic, knowing precisely your position. Fog comes up, and it is so thick you cannot see. He can only guess his approximate speed and heading. That is dead reckoning.
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"He said my name is Private Andrew Malone
If you're reading this then I didn't make it home
But for every dream that's shattered another one comes true
This car was once a dream of mine now it belongs to you
And though you may take her and make her your own
You'll always be riding with Private Malone" David Ball, "Private Malone"
Last edited by Jeff_Rice : 28-03-2003 at 12:14.
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