Single Optical Detector Location Accuracy via Digital Elevation Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic monitoring systems can only detect events but not accurately identify the location of a point of interest, and require multiple cameras or bulky setups for precise location determination, which are prone to mechanical errors and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a single optical detector that captures images, determines the detector's position and orientation, maps coordinates in a digital elevation model, and projects paths to identify the location of a point of interest, with iterative collision detection and optional continuous rotation and tilting, and includes a microprocessor and sensors for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to identify the location of the event, then the location accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical multi-camera system with a single optical detector combined with digital elevation model processing. Instead of using multiple physical cameras to achieve triangulation, the system uses one detector with DEM-based algorithms to determine location, substituting mechanical complexity with computational processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital elevation model as an intermediary between the single optical detector and the location determination process. The DEM serves as a digital reference surface that enables accurate location calculation from a single detector's perspective, eliminating the need for multiple cameras
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to identify the location of the event, then the location accuracy is improved, but the system requires more space and becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spatially distributed multi-camera mechanical system with a compact single-detector system. The location accuracy previously achieved through physical camera separation is now achieved through digital processing of data from one detector, dramatically reducing the physical footprint
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to identify the location of the event, then the location accuracy is improved, but the mechanical errors accumulate over time requiring regular maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical multi-camera system with potential drift and alignment issues with a single-detector system using digital elevation model processing. This substitution eliminates the accumulation of mechanical errors over time while maintaining location accuracy through computational methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the digital elevation model as a stable, pre-existing reference framework that does not degrade over time. The DEM provides a consistent reference surface that compensates for any detector drift, allowing the system to self-correct and maintain accuracy without regular mechanical maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining the location of a point of interest is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing an optical detector; capturing an image by the optical detector; obtaining the position and orientation of the optical detector; identifying at least one coordinates of the point of interest within the captured image; mapping the position of the optical detector and the coordinates of the point of interest in a digital elevation model; and determining the location of the point of interest by projecting at least one path from the position of the optical detector through the coordinates of the point of interest in the digital elevation model. A system for determining the location of a point of interest by utilizing the aforesaid method is also disclosed herein.