Real-time Magnetometric Map Updates via Local Pixel Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current magnetometric data acquisition and processing methods require complete surveys and extensive data processing upon return to port, leading to incomplete 2D charts with 'holes' and significant additional measurement time and cost for precise data completion, especially for areas far from the survey trajectory.

Innovation Solution

A method for local and real-time updating of magnetometric data on a map with at least two dimensions, involving measurement of magnetic field intensity, 2D interpolation, pole reduction, and analytical signal calculation, using pixel division, convolution masks, and Euler deconvolution to fill gaps and improve data precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complete magnetometric data survey is conducted along the entire trajectory, then data completeness is improved, but measurement time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the magnetometric data processing into local updates rather than global processing. Each pixel or region of the map is updated independently using local data samples, allowing progressive completion of the 2D chart without requiring complete survey coverage. This segmentation enables real-time processing and fills gaps locally without reprocessing the entire dataset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary interpolation and processing steps during the survey operation itself, rather than waiting for complete data collection. By applying 2D interpolation and pole reduction calculations in real-time as data is acquired, the system prepares and updates the 2D chart continuously, eliminating the need for extensive post-processing and reducing the need for return trips to complete the survey.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the ship returns to complete the survey campaign at positions concerned, then data precision is improved, but additional measurement time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata precisionVSAvoidadditional measurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the 2D chart is continuously updated and displayed during the survey operation. Users can see in real-time which areas are well-covered and which have gaps, allowing dynamic adjustment of the survey trajectory. This feedback enables the ship to focus on areas needing data completion rather than systematically re-visiting all positions, improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static, fixed survey trajectory into a dynamic, adaptive path. The survey strategy adjusts in real-time based on the quality and distribution of acquired data, allowing the ship to optimize its path to fill gaps efficiently. This dynamic approach replaces the rigid requirement to return to specific positions with flexible, real-time decision-making based on current data status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If 2D interpolation and processing is applied to complete data sets, then data representation quality is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata representation qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the 2D map into multiple pixels or regions, applying interpolation and processing calculations only to the local area around each new data point rather than the entire dataset. This local update approach maintains data representation quality in affected areas while dramatically reducing processing time compared to global reprocessing of complete data sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial processing action by performing 2D interpolation and pole reduction calculations only for the specific pixel and its neighborhood where new data is received, rather than processing the entire 2D chart. This partial action suffices to maintain data representation quality since only local areas are affected by new measurements, avoiding the excessive time cost of full dataset processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP1904873B1Method for acquiring and processing magnetometric data by local updates in real time
Publication Date: 2013.08.14 IXBLUE
  • EP1904873B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1904873B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP1904873B1 patent drawingFigure 3D~3E

AI summary

The invention concerns a method for acquiring and processing magnetometric data for representing on an at least two-dimensional map magnetometric characteristics of a geographical zone including a step of measuring the intensity of a magnetic field (1) on a geographical zone producing a set of magnetometric data of intensity B(s), a step of computing 2D interpolation (3), a step of computing reduction at the poles (5) and a step of computing an analytical signal (7). According to the invention, the method includes sectioning the map of magnetic disturbances into a matrix of pixels, a step of locally updating in real time the map of magnetic disturbances, a step of locally updating in real time the map of 2D interpolation by applying the 2D interpolation calculation to the neighbourhood of the updated pixel, a step of locally updating in real time the 2D map of reduction at the poles and a step of locally updating in real time the 2D map of the analytical signal.