Aerial Movement Calibration Using Wireless Position Transceivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current calibration methods for aerial movement systems with cameras are time-consuming, expensive, and impractical for large expanses, requiring manual intervention and ground usage, leading to inaccuracies and scheduling conflicts.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of wireless position transceivers on objects and registration points, allowing for automated calibration of aerial movement systems by communicating with a computer to determine precise positions and control support lines without manual intervention or ground usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration methods are used with support lines and ground triangles, then calibration can be performed, but calibration time becomes very long and requires multiple people

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical/laser-based measurement system. The system uses a laser measuring device mounted on the aerial object to automatically measure distances to registration points on the ground, eliminating the need for manual support line measurement and calculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The aerial object performs its own calibration by using its mounted laser measuring device to measure distances to ground-based registration points. This self-calibration capability eliminates the need for external calibration teams and manual intervention, allowing the system to calibrate itself automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual calibration with support lines is used, then calibration data can be collected, but the method requires use of the ground below the expanse which causes scheduling conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidground availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having ground-based equipment measure upward to the aerial object, the patent inverts the measurement direction by mounting the laser measuring device on the aerial object itself to measure downward to ground-based registration points. This allows calibration to occur from the aerial platform without requiring ground crew or ground space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If laser measuring devices are used for calibration, then measurement speed improves, but the method still requires people to collect data and use the ground

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration speedVSAvoidautomated calibration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The aerial object performs its own calibration by using its mounted laser measuring device to automatically measure distances to ground-based registration points. This self-calibration capability eliminates the need for external calibration teams and manual intervention, allowing the system to calibrate itself automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If multiple people are involved in manual calibration, then calibration can be performed, but costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11435649B2Apparatus and method for calibrating an aerial movement system

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 CABLECAM LLC

AI summary

An aerial movement system and method for calibrating same includes, generally, registration points and wireless position transceivers proximate the registration points and the object that communicate with a computer and allow for the computer to determine the appropriate amount of support lines to draw in or release.