Portable Aircraft Location System Using Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring precise location information on large objects like aircraft are time-consuming, inaccurate, and costly due to the requirement of fixed measurement equipment, which limits precision, especially in complex or modified areas.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus that identifies location information by displaying known reference points in a three-dimensional model, obtaining distance measurements, and using triangulation, trilateration, or multilateration to determine the location of an unknown point on an object, allowing for portable and accurate measurements without fixed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed position measurement equipment is used, then measurement stability is improved, but measurement time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed static measurement equipment to a portable measurement system that can be dynamically positioned at multiple locations around the aircraft. The system uses multiple portable devices equipped with sensors and processors that can be moved to different positions to collect measurement data, eliminating the need for fixed installations while maintaining measurement stability through coordinated multi-position measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is divided into multiple independent portable measurement devices distributed around the aircraft. Each device independently measures parameters at its location, and the results are integrated to determine the complete position of the target object. This segmentation allows parallel measurements from multiple positions, significantly reducing total measurement time while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If fixed position measurement equipment is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable measurement devices are designed to be multi-functional, serving as both measurement instruments and positioning references. Each portable device contains sensors, processors, and communication capabilities that allow it to perform multiple functions: measuring physical parameters, determining its own position, and contributing to the overall location calculation. This universality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central processing system that acts as an intermediary, receiving data from multiple portable measurement devices and integrating the information to calculate the final position of the target object. This intermediary coordinates the measurements from different positions and combines them using mathematical algorithms, achieving high accuracy without requiring each individual portable device to be overly complex.
3Reliability
If fixed position measurement equipment is used, then measurement stability is improved, but adaptability to different measurement scenarios decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic portable measurement devices that can be repositioned according to different measurement requirements. Unlike fixed equipment, these portable devices can adapt to various aircraft configurations, access difficult-to-reach areas, and be deployed in different environmental conditions. The dynamic positioning capability maintains measurement stability through coordinated measurements while providing flexibility for diverse measurement scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable measurement devices can adjust their operational parameters based on the measurement scenario. Sensors can be calibrated for different measurement ranges, sampling rates can be modified, and device positions can be optimized for specific measurement needs. This parameter adaptability allows the system to maintain stability while responding flexibly to different measurement requirements, aircraft types, and environmental conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer implemented method for identifying location information of an unknown point on an aircraft. The unknown point on the aircraft is identified. A plurality of reference points is identified for the aircraft located in a three-dimensional model of the aircraft, wherein the plurality of reference points have known locations described using a three-dimensional coordinate system to form a plurality of identified reference points. The plurality of identified reference points is displayed on a set of images of the aircraft. A measurement of distance to each of the plurality of identified reference points is obtained to form a plurality of measurements in response to displaying the plurality of identified reference points on the set of images. The location information of the unknown point is identified using the plurality of measurements.