Observation Device Location Determination Using Celestial Reference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination methods for observation devices are prone to errors due to concealments, weather conditions, and require visibility of predefined reference points, making them inefficient and inaccurate, especially in uninhabited or populated areas.
Innovation Solution
An observation device equipped with a camera, digital terrain model (DTM), and a sensor system, utilizing an analysis unit for fully automatic, high-precision location determination, independent of reference points and weather conditions, by analyzing camera images and simulating terrain transitions to optimize spatial location and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic location determination is performed by analyzing terrestrial images, then the orientation and position can be determined automatically, but the determination becomes error-prone due to terrain concealments, weather conditions, and confusion of clouds with terrain structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination process into multiple independent components: celestial body identification, position calculation, and orientation determination. By dividing the complex task of analyzing terrestrial images into smaller sub-tasks (identifying stars, planets, or other celestial objects), the system achieves more reliable results without being affected by terrain concealments or weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces celestial bodies as intermediary reference objects between the observation device and the final location determination. Instead of directly analyzing complex terrestrial terrain features that are prone to error, the system uses celestial bodies as a stable, weather-resistant intermediary to establish the device's position and orientation with high accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If reference points are required for location determination, then the position can be calculated using triangulation, but the method becomes impossible when reference points are not visible or identifiable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the location determination system universal by enabling it to function in both populated and uninhabited areas. By using celestial bodies as reference objects instead of ground-based reference points, the system can operate anywhere on Earth regardless of whether local terrain features or man-made structures are visible, thus achieving multi-functional adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of looking downward at the Earth's surface for reference points (traditional method), the patent inverts the approach by looking upward at celestial bodies. This inversion allows the system to determine position and orientation using sky-based references rather than ground-based references, solving the problem of invisible or unidentifiable terrain features.
3Measurement precision
If GPS measurements are used to determine azimuth, then the position can be obtained, but multiple GPS measurements remote from one another are required and movement during measurement is presumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and cataloging of celestial bodies before the actual location determination takes place. By pre-storing information about celestial object positions and characteristics, the system can quickly match observed celestial bodies to known data, determining azimuth and position in a single observation without requiring multiple measurements or movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical GPS measurement system (which requires physical movement and multiple measurement points) with an optical-astronomical system. By using telescopic observation of celestial bodies combined with computational astronomy, the system achieves azimuth determination without the time loss and movement requirements inherent in GPS-based methods.
4Productivity
If sensor systems are used for rough initial determination of spatial location, then the location can be quickly estimated, but the accuracy is insufficient for high-precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the rough initial determination from sensor systems serves as input to the celestial body observation system. The celestial observation provides precise feedback that corrects and refines the initial rough estimate, achieving both quick initial localization and high-precision final determination in a two-stage process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic, multi-stage determination process that transitions from rough sensor-based estimation to precise celestial-based measurement. The system adaptively adjusts the determination methodology based on available data, combining the speed of sensor systems with the accuracy of astronomical observation to optimize both productivity and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an observation device having a location determination functionality for the high-accuracy determination of the spatial location and thus the position and orientation (for example, Euler angles: azimuth, elevation angle, and roll angle) of the observation device by analysis of a recorded camera image of the terrain surrounding the camera by means of the three-dimensional map information of a digital terrain model (DTM). For this purpose, the observation device comprises a camera having an objective lens and a camera sensor, a data memory, a sensor system, an analysis unit, and a display screen.