Geolocating Non-Interactive Objects Using Position-Distance Pairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for geo-locating non-cooperating, non-emissive objects using optronic systems on mobile platforms face challenges such as high error rates, reliance on attitude measurements, and the need for manual intervention, especially under oblique or long-distance viewing conditions, without prior object information or environmental data.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a rangefinder and GNSS positioning system on a mobile platform to determine the object's position through 'position-distance' pairs, using spheres and conic sections to intersect and calculate the object's location without requiring attitude measurements or prior object knowledge, allowing for automatic and precise geo-location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image comparison techniques are used for geo-location, then localization can be performed with available image data, but the results are sensitive to orientation errors, temporal differences, and require manual intervention which reduces processing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual image comparison and orientation correction operations with an automated geometric calculation system. The system uses mathematical models to directly compute object position from sensor data, eliminating the need for manual image matching and orientation error correction, thereby achieving both high precision and rapid processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration and automatic geo-location computation without requiring manual intervention. The automated processing pipeline independently handles data fusion, geometric calculations, and position determination, enabling rapid information processing while maintaining metric-class accuracy
2Speed
If direct geo-referencing with attitude measurement means is used, then real-time positioning can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and requires calibration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the requirement for complex attitude measurement means (inertial units, magnetic compasses) from the system. By using only position data from GPS/GNSS and range data from the sensor, the system achieves real-time positioning without the complexity and calibration requirements of attitude sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a geometric calculation model as an intermediary that transforms simple position and range measurements into accurate geo-location results. This mathematical intermediary replaces the need for complex physical attitude measurement devices, achieving real-time positioning with reduced system complexity
3Measurement precision
If stereoscopic vision techniques are used, then 3D localization can be achieved, but the precision is limited and association of image characteristics becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex stereoscopic image processing and feature association operations with direct geometric calculation from range data. By using mathematical models to compute 3D position from position-range pairs, the system achieves metric-class precision without the complexity of image characteristic association
4Measurement precision
If magnetic compasses are used for orientation measurement, then heading information can be obtained, but the precision is limited to about ten mrad due to earth's field knowledge gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the magnetic compass from the system entirely. By relying on GPS/GNSS position data and geometric calculations, the system achieves accurate geo-location without the precision limitations and reliability issues of magnetic orientation measurements
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 method provides high-accuracy, metric-class geo-location of non-cooperating objects without manual intervention or prior object information, reducing errors and adapting to varying environmental conditions, enabling precise tracking even at great distances.
Implementation Method 1
a device for acquiring distances to the object, in other words a rangefinder
Implementation Method 2
means for acquisition of the position of the system, in other words a receiver of a GNSS positioning system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for geolocating a stationary non-interactive object (O) by means of a system loaded onto a mobile platform (10), provided with a means for acquiring the distance (2) between the object and the system and with a means (1) for acquiring the position of the system, the method comprising the following steps: acquiring two distance measurements (D1, D2) for the object relative to two separate positions (P1, P2) of the system, thus defining two “position/object distance” pairs, the positions being those of the system and obtained by the position acquiring means (1), and the distances being obtained by the distance acquiring means (2); acquiring at least one other “position/object distance” pair; and calculating the geolocation of the object (O) from said “position/object distance” pair.