Mobile Magnetometer Localization of Buried Markers in 3D
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for localizing buried or submerged objects are often expensive, inaccurate, require complex setups, or fail to provide precise three-dimensional localization, especially in opaque or GPS-denied environments, and are inefficient in applications like mining, blasting, seismic exploration, and emergency operations.
Innovation Solution
A process and system utilizing a marker apparatus with a magnetic field source generating a magnetic field that penetrates an opaque medium, combined with mobile magnetometers and a mathematical model, allows for remote localization of the marker in three-dimensional space without requiring detection of signal maxima or knowledge of magnetic field strength or orientation, using mobile platforms like drones for efficient coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual detection methods using handheld magnetic detectors are used to locate buried markers, then localization can be achieved, but the process is too slow and inefficient for commercial operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the localization task into automated aerial surveying using multiple magnetometers positioned on a drone, replacing manual ground-based detection. This segmentation enables parallel data collection across multiple locations simultaneously, dramatically increasing productivity while reducing the time required for complete marker localization in blasting operations.
2Reliability
If previous markers with internal self-righting mechanisms are used to provide vertical magnetic dipole, then symmetrical magnetic field can be produced, but the markers are prone to failure or poor operation in some environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the self-righting mechanism from the marker itself and relocates it to the data processing system through mathematical modeling. The inverse dipole localization algorithm automatically accounts for arbitrary marker orientations and environmental conditions, eliminating the need for mechanical self-righting components while improving reliability and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical self-righting mechanism is replaced with a computational approach using inverse dipole localization algorithms. The system uses magnetic field measurements combined with environmental data (temperature, pressure, humidity) and mathematical models to determine marker location and orientation without mechanical adjustment, thereby improving reliability and reducing moving parts.
3Measurement precision
If detection of magnetic field maximum by moving detector back and forth is used, then marker location can be estimated, but separate determination of marker depth is required which adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional surface scanning to three-dimensional localization by using multiple magnetometers positioned at different heights and locations on the drone. The inverse dipole algorithm processes measurements from multiple spatial dimensions to simultaneously determine both horizontal position and depth, eliminating the need for separate depth determination procedures.
4Measurement precision
If GPS receivers are used for localization in seismic exploration, then location data can be obtained, but GPS is insufficiently accurate or useless in GPS-denied environments such as water, earth or under foliage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field measurements as an intermediary to achieve localization in GPS-denied environments. The magnetometers detect the magnetic signature of buried markers, and the inverse dipole algorithm processes these measurements to determine precise three-dimensional locations, providing adaptability across diverse environments including underwater, underground, and forested areas where GPS fails.
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
Enables accurate, efficient, and flexible localization of buried objects in three dimensions, reducing costs and complexity by eliminating the need for manual detection and internal self-righting mechanisms, suitable for various environments and applications including mining, quarrying, seismic exploration, and emergency operations.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field source (MFS) in a marker apparatus (102), when the marker apparatus (102) is remote from the or each magnetometer (106) and in/on an opaque medium (104) such that the magnetic field penetrates through the medium (104)
Data Source
AI summary
A process for remote localization of an object including (i) receiving/determining two or more magnetic field measurements using at least one magnetometer of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field source (MFS) in a marker apparatus remote from the magnetometer and in/on an opaque medium such that the magnetic field extends through the opaque medium and/or through a navigable medium between the MFS and the magnetometer; (ii) receiving/determining two or more respective measurement locations of the magnetic field measurements in 3D by determining locations of the magnetometer when the magnetic field measurements are/were determined; and (iii) numerically estimating a location of the MFS in 3D using the magnetic field measurements, the measurement locations, and a mathematical model representing the system as a magnetic dipole (the MFS) in the navigable and opaque media and the resulting magnetic fields. The measurements can be made while the magnetometer is moving.