Photo-Optic Geolocation via Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geolocation systems rely on signal transmission, which can be unavailable in remote areas or undesirable in military applications, necessitating a standalone method to calculate location without signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A photo-optic apparatus comprising an optic sensor, digital sextant, storage database, and data processor that captures and compares surrounding image data with stored data to determine location using magnetic or celestial references, allowing for signal-free geolocation calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal transmission methods (GPS, satellite networks) are used for geolocation, then geolocation accuracy is improved, but system availability deteriorates in remote areas without network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary comparison system that matches captured optical images against a database of reference images with known geolocations. This mediator enables geolocation determination without direct signal transmission, resolving the contradiction between maintaining accuracy and ensuring availability in remote areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies (images) of the surrounding environment and compares them against stored reference copies. By working with image data rather than direct signal transmission, the system achieves geolocation capability in areas where traditional signal-based methods fail, while maintaining reasonable accuracy through image matching algorithms.
2Reliability
If signal transmission methods are used for geolocation, then geolocation capability is improved, but detectability by adversaries deteriorates in military applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the geolocation determination process from signal transmission dependencies. By removing the need for outgoing or incoming signal transmissions and using only passive optical sensing combined with image database comparison, the system maintains geolocation capability while eliminating the harmful factor of detectability by adversaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service geolocation determination using only its own optical sensors and local image database. No external signals or networks are required, allowing military applications to determine location without revealing their position through signal transmission, thus maintaining capability while reducing detectability.
3Reliability
If standalone geolocation method is used without signal transmission, then system availability is improved in remote areas, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal geolocation approach that can operate in both remote areas without networks and in military applications requiring signal avoidance. The same image capture and comparison mechanism serves multiple purposes: determining geolocation, providing backup when GPS fails, and enabling operation in signal-denied environments, thereby justifying the increased complexity through multi-functional utility.
4Ease of operation
If traditional GPS systems are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to signal-denied environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on environmental conditions. It can switch between using traditional signal-based GPS when available and falling back to the image comparison method when signals are unavailable or should be avoided. This dynamic capability maintains ease of operation for users while providing adaptability across diverse environmental conditions from urban to remote to military zones.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables standalone geolocation determination without signal transmission, providing a cost-effective, signal-free method for both commercial and military applications, and adapting existing technologies like smartphones for geolocation purposes.
Implementation Method 1
an optic sensor that captures surrounding image data
Implementation Method 2
a digital sextant that provides data calculated using magnetic or celestial references
Data Source
AI summary
A photo-optic comparative geolocation system for calculating the location of an object has been developed. The apparatus includes optic sensors that capture surrounding location data, an interface that maps the optic sensor data, a storage database containing prior optical and location data, a digital sextant that provides data calculated using magnetic or celestial references, a data processor that compares the mapped data to stored data and calculates current location based on the comparison analysis, and a visual display for location information.