Optical Landmark Triangulation for Vehicle Position Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation methods, particularly near coastlines, are time-consuming and inaccurate when relying on human-operated triangulation from landmarks, and satellite or inertial navigation systems suffer from inaccuracies in signal failure or require recalibration.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using preselected landmarks to determine a second geographic position through triangulation, minimizing human intervention and enhancing accuracy by selecting the best triplet of landmarks and accounting for vehicle movement during image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated triangulation from visible landmarks is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for image capturing devices and automated processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical triangulation operations with an automated optical system. An image capturing device automatically captures landmarks, and an electronic processing unit automatically performs triangulation calculations, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with automated optical-electronic systems to achieve both accuracy and automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning through automated landmark capture and processing. The vehicle's own image capturing device and electronic processing unit work together to determine its position without external assistance, making the system self-sufficient and reducing dependency on external positioning infrastructure.
2Productivity
If satellite positioning is used, then automation and positioning speed are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to signal availability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a backup positioning mechanism using visible landmarks that can be activated when satellite signals are unavailable. This pre-prepared alternative positioning method cushions against satellite signal failures, ensuring continuous positioning capability regardless of satellite availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visible landmarks as an intermediary positioning reference when direct satellite positioning is unavailable. These landmarks serve as a mediator that enables the vehicle to determine its position through optical triangulation when the primary satellite positioning system cannot be used.
3Device complexity
If manual triangulation from landmarks is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual triangulation operations with automated image capture and electronic processing. The image capturing device automatically captures landmarks, and the electronic processing unit automatically calculates positions, eliminating time-consuming manual operations while maintaining the fundamental triangulation principle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automated self-positioning through electronic processing of captured images. The electronic processing unit automatically identifies landmarks in captured images, calculates angles, and determines position without human intervention, making the previously manual process self-executing and highly efficient.
4Loss of time
If triangulation is performed during high-speed travel, then positioning relevance is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to movement-induced inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures images of landmarks before the vehicle's movement significantly changes its position. By performing the image capture and angle measurement preliminary to major position changes, the system ensures that the triangulation data reflects the vehicle's position at a specific moment, maintaining accuracy even during high-speed travel.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for positioning a vehicle (N) provided with an electronic processing unit (2) connected to a non-optical positioning device (3, 4) and to an external imaging optical device (5), the electronic processing unit (2) comprising a database of navigation marks comprising at least one geographical position of each navigation mark and a descriptive element for each navigation mark; the method comprising the steps of: - estimating a first geographical position (P1e) of the vehicle (N) by means of the non-optical positioning device (3, 4); - preselecting in the database navigation marks having geographical positions located within a predetermined radius around the first geographical position (P1e) of the vehicle (N); - selecting the triplets with minimal geometric errors; - controlling the external imaging optical device (5) to capture images of the selected navigation marks; - selecting images in which the navigation marks are effectively visible, identifying the navigation marks in the images and recording an azimuth or a bearing of each navigation mark visible from the images; - determining a second geographical position (PObrut or POc) of the vehicle (N) from the recorded azimuths or bearings, taking into account or not the movement of the vehicle (N) while the images of the navigation marks are being captured.