Method for determining condition or characteristic in vehicle, involves determining relative pitch angle of vehicle, and determining road inclination from difference between absolute and relative pitch angles

摘要

The method involves determining absolute pitch angle of a vehicle (1) as an angle between a longitudinal axis (X) of a vehicle and a world coordinate system (E). Longitudinal speed and vertical speed of the vehicle in a vehicle point are determined from data of a global positioning system (GPS). A relative pitch angle of the vehicle between the longitudinal axis and a road surface (2) is determined based on ratio of the vertical speed to the longitudinal speed. Road inclination is determined from difference between the absolute and relative pitch angles. An independent claim is also included for a vehicle comprising two receiving antennas.