Calculation of displacement of an object

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the overall displacement of a device based on its X and Y displacements and yaw heading. Participants explore the relationship between these displacements and the effects of external factors like current drift on the device's position.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to calculate displacement using X and Y coordinates and yaw heading, expressing uncertainty about the necessary information for the calculation.
  • Another participant requests a drawing to clarify the X and Y displacements.
  • A participant explains that X and Y displacements refer to the XY plane and emphasizes the importance of the heading direction based on the X axis.
  • One participant suggests that the problem may involve resolving the position of a boat or airplane affected by drift, proposing vector addition to find the actual velocity vector.
  • Another participant requests more information about the relationship between the device and the object, seeking clarification on their definitions and roles.
  • The original poster clarifies that the device is a floating object on water and that they are trying to resolve its position under current drift conditions.
  • A later reply mentions that the solution involves vector addition and conversions between polar and rectangular coordinates, noting potential differences in geographical and mathematical coordinates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and propose different approaches to the problem, indicating that multiple competing views remain. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best method for calculating displacement.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for additional information and clarification regarding the definitions of the device and object, as well as the effects of external factors like current drift on the calculations.

Samuel_00
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TL;DR
Need help to calculate the displacement of my device based on the X and Y displacement and the given direction (compass)
Hi, this is my first time here. I'm and E&E student currently working on a project.

I'm trying to calculate the overall displacement of my device given the X and Y displacement of the object and also the yaw heading of the device. The direction of the heading is the direction where the X axis is pointing to. For example maybe the device travels 5m to the North and 1m to the east and so on. I'm not sure if it makes sense but I don't really know how to explain it any further. Thanks!

Edit: I am not sure if this is possible and if I need more information or data to calculate the displacement
 
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Welcome, Samule!
Could you show us a drawing showing x and y?
 
The X and Y displacement is just the displacement obtained on the XY plane. Also I forgot to add that the direction of the heading is based on the direction of the X axis.
1653019235246.png
 
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Samuel_00 said:
Hi, this is my first time here. I'm and E&E student currently working on a project.
Welcome to PF.
What is E&E ?

Are you trying to resolve the position of a boat or an aeroplane when subjected to a current or a wind that causes a drift? If so, sum the vehicle velocity vector, to the current vector, to get the actual velocity vector over the ground, then apply that over time to find the new position.
 
You must give us additional information in order to understand your situation/project and thus being able to help you.

You speak of a device and an object. How these two relate? What does the device on to the object? What is the object and what is the device at first place. I can post more questions but let's start from those two for now.
 
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Hi Baluncore,

E&E is Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The device is a floating object on water.

Hi Delta2,

Sorry for the confusion. The object and device is the same thing. Baluncore was able to describe what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to resolve the position of the device when subjected to current drift.
 
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Samuel_00 said:
Baluncore was able to describe what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to resolve the position of the device when subjected to current drift.
Then it all comes down to vector addition, and conversions between polar and rectangular coordinates where necessary. Is the matter now resolved?

Geographical and mathematical coordinates differ in the reference direction and the direction of rotation. That angle can usually be resolved by simply swapping the Cos and Sin functions in the conversions.
 
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