Optronic Positioning via Reference Elements and Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optronic systems face challenges in accurately determining positions due to the limitations of GNSS systems, which can be affected by interference, masking, and unavailability, requiring a more robust and precise method for position determination in various scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An optronic system that integrates a digital imager, memory for geo-referenced reference elements, a measurement module comprising a compass, goniometer, and telemeter, and a calculation unit to collect and process data from reference elements, allowing for accurate and robust position determination using geo-referenced data and integrity evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If GNSS is used for position determination, then the system is simple to operate, but the accuracy and reliability are insufficient due to signal interference, masking, and deception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary position determination system that uses local reference elements and measurement modules (compass, goniometer, telemeter) as a mediator between the optronic system and the final position determination. This intermediary system provides position information that is independent of GNSS signals, thereby resolving the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving reliability through a alternative determination path that is not susceptible to GNSS interference, masking, or deception
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic signal-based GNSS system with a geometric/optical-based position determination system using measurement modules (compass for magnetic field orientation, goniometer for angular measurements, telemeter for distance measurement). This substitution eliminates dependence on vulnerable electromagnetic signals while maintaining operational simplicity, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
2Device complexity
If GNSS is used for position determination, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement modules (compass, goniometer, telemeter) with the optronic system to create an integrated position determination system. This merging approach achieves high measurement precision by combining the capabilities of multiple specialized modules while managing device complexity through integration and shared processing resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the traditional two-dimensional GNSS position determination to a three-dimensional approach by incorporating vertical angle measurements from the goniometer and distance measurements from the telemeter. This dimensional expansion enables more precise position determination in 3D space while maintaining reasonable device complexity through the use of standard measurement modules
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement modules are integrated for accurate position determination, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement modules (compass, goniometer, telemeter) to serve multiple functions: they not only determine position but also provide orientation information and can be used for target acquisition and ranging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity through universal, multi-purpose components
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the optronic system's own imaging and processing capabilities to support the measurement modules. The digital imager captures images that are processed by the same calculation unit that processes measurement data, creating a self-service architecture where the system's core components support multiple functions, thus improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining positions by an optronic system in a scene, the scene comprising reference elements of known geographic coordinates, the optronic system comprising the following elements integrated into said optronic system:a. a digital imager,b. a memory wherein is stored, for each reference element of the scene, an indicator representative of said point associated with the geographic coordinates of said point,c. a display element that displays the indicators stored in the memory,d. a measurement module comprising at least one element chosen from among: a compass, a goniometer and a telemeter,e. a calculation unit,the method being implemented by the elements integrated in the optronic system.