Camera Target Direction Determination Using Satellite Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surveying methods, such as theodolites, require sophisticated mechanical components and a setup stage, making them difficult to use in standalone environments without accurately known reference points, and struggle with achieving satisfactory angular accuracy for target geolocation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a camera combined with satellite positioning technologies for georeferencing, which acquires images of targets and control objects, determines camera attitude, and calculates target direction without mechanical components, achieving accurate angular measurements through pixel position data and geo-spatial positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If theodolites with sophisticated mechanical components are used, then angular measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical theodolite systems with an optical system comprising a camera and satellite positioning receiver. The camera captures images of targets and control objects, while the positioning receiver obtains coordinates. Angular measurements are derived computationally from image pixel positions and coordinate data rather than through mechanical angle measurement, thereby eliminating complex mechanical components while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control object with known coordinates as an intermediary element. By capturing images of both the control object and the target, and using the control object's known position as a reference, the system computes the direction to the target. This intermediary approach enables accurate angular determination without requiring direct mechanical angle measurement between target and reference points.
2Measurement precision
If theodolites requiring setup stage with accurately known points are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to autonomously determine its own position and orientation. The satellite positioning receiver provides the camera's coordinates, and by capturing images of control objects with known coordinates, the system computationally determines its own attitude (orientation). This self-determination capability allows the system to operate independently without requiring setup by operators with prior knowledge of reference points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal system that can operate in various environments including standalone locations without pre-established reference networks. By combining satellite positioning (providing absolute coordinates) with image processing (providing relative directions), the system achieves both georeferencing and target direction determination capabilities, making it adaptable to diverse surveying scenarios beyond traditional controlled environments.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical pan tilt units with gear are used, then angular measurement capability is improved, but reliability and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical pan-tilt units and gears by substituting them with an optical measurement approach. The camera's optical axis direction is determined through image processing and coordinate geometry rather than mechanical angle encoders. This substitution removes mechanical failure points while maintaining the ability to measure angles with sufficient accuracy for surveying applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for accurate target direction determination in a ground referential with an accuracy of tens to hundreds of micro-radians, eliminating the need for mechanical components and enabling use in standalone environments, while maintaining high precision.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining position data of the camera and control object using a geo-spatial positioning system
Implementation Method 2
acquiring an image of a scene including a target and a control object using a camera
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a direction of a target in a ground referential, the method including: acquiring an image of a scene including the target and a control object using a camera; obtaining position data of the camera and control object using a geo-spatial positioning system; determining a control direction from the camera to the control object in the ground referential using the position data; estimating a camera attitude in the ground referential using the control direction; determining the target direction from the camera to the target using the estimated camera attitude and a pixel position of the target in the image.