Mobile Device Recalibration From Multi-Landmark 3D Geolocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for geolocating mobile devices are limited to two-dimensional positioning and do not effectively utilize angular survey measurements for three-dimensional geolocation and attitude determination without additional equipment like inertial measurement units.

Innovation Solution

A recalibration method using angular survey measurements from multiple landmarks, employing a combination of simulated annealing and Gauss-Newton algorithms to determine three-dimensional position and attitude of a mobile device, along with optional Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm for refinement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If bearing methods are used for geolocation, then two-dimensional positioning is achieved, but three-dimensional geolocation and attitude determination cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeolocation precisionVSAvoiddimensional capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends traditional two-dimensional bearing methods into three-dimensional space by incorporating elevation angles and performing calculations in a 3D coordinate system. The method uses spherical coordinate transformations and 3D geometric relationships to determine both position (x, y, z) and attitude (pitch, roll, yaw) of the mobile device, thereby adding the vertical dimension and rotational degrees of freedom to the geolocation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional equipment like inertial measurement units is used, then three-dimensional geolocation is possible, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional capabilityVSAvoidequipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the mobile device to determine its own three-dimensional position and attitude using only its existing sensors (camera, GPS, accelerometer) and computational algorithms. The device processes images of landmarks, extracts bearing and elevation information, and performs iterative optimization calculations internally without requiring external inertial measurement units or other additional specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If angular survey measurements alone are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision for three-dimensional positioning is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidthree-dimensional position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs iterative optimization algorithms (such as Gauss-Newton or Levenberg-Marquardt) that use feedback from measurement residuals to continuously refine the estimated position and attitude. The system calculates the difference between observed angular measurements and those predicted from current position estimates, then uses this feedback to update and improve the estimates until convergence is achieved, thereby achieving high precision without additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the measurement problem by changing the mathematical parameters and coordinate systems used for calculation. It converts image bearing measurements into 3D spatial coordinates through spherical coordinate transformations and applies non-linear optimization techniques that adjust position and attitude parameters iteratively, thereby extracting maximum precision from the available angular survey data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4361563B1Method for recalibration over a plurality of landmarks, associated computer program product and recalibration device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 THALES SA
  • EP4361563B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4361563B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4361563B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of recalibrating a mobile device to a plurality of landmarks during geolocation, comprising the following steps: - acquisition (110) of bearing and elevation measurements of at least four landmarks in a reference frame of the mobile device; - determination (120) of an angular deviation for each of at least three pairs of said landmarks; - determination (130) of an initial approximation of the position of the mobile device from said angular deviations; - determination (140) of an improved approximation of the position of the mobile device from the initial approximation and said angular deviations; - determination (150) of the distances between the mobile device and each of said landmarks; - determination (160) of a first approximation of the attitude of the mobile device from said distances.