Position Measuring Instrument Using Laser Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS position measurement methods fail to provide accurate and reliable positioning in areas with obstructed satellite signals, such as under buildings or in shaded regions, leading to decreased accuracy and increased error accumulation due to the reliance on continuous image acquisition and tracking, which is often disrupted by obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A position measuring method and instrument that alternately uses the method of intersection and resection, combined with laser distance measurement, to generate and track points, ensuring accurate coordinate calculation within predetermined error limits, even in conditions where continuous images cannot be acquired, by incorporating a GPS position detecting device, image pickup device, and laser distance measuring device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the method of intersection and resection are used to perform position measurement when GPS cannot operate, then position measurement can be continued, but measurement accuracy decreases and errors accumulate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback by comparing the calculated three-dimensional coordinates of tracking points with the actually measured distances from the laser distance measuring device. When the calculated coordinates fall within a predetermined error range of the actually measured distances, they are adopted as valid position data. This feedback mechanism filters out erroneous measurements and maintains accuracy while enabling continuous operation in GPS-denied areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter validation approach by introducing a threshold-based filtering mechanism. Instead of accepting all calculated coordinates, the system compares them against the laser-measured distances and only accepts coordinates within a predetermined error range. This parameter change transforms the measurement process into a selective validation system that maintains precision while ensuring continuity.
2Productivity
If continuous images are acquired for position measurement in obstructed areas, then tracking can be performed, but measurement accuracy is extremely lowered when buildings are absent or spaces exist between buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of tracking points based on their measurement reliability. Not all tracking points are treated equally - only those that pass the validation check against laser distance measurements are used for position calculation. This selective approach ensures that local measurement quality varies according to actual reliability conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism validates each tracking point's calculated coordinates against the laser distance measuring device's actual measurements. This feedback loop identifies and excludes unreliable tracking points (such as those in areas without buildings or between buildings) while maintaining continuous measurement operation, thereby preserving overall measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If laser distance measurement is added to validate calculated coordinates, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser distance measuring device serves multiple functions: it measures the distance to tracking points, validates the calculated coordinates against actual measurements, and filters out erroneous data. By making this single device multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional specialized equipment, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser distance measuring device performs self-validation of the measurement system. Instead of requiring external verification or complex additional equipment, the system uses the laser device's own measurements to validate and filter the tracking point coordinates, making the measurement process self-verifying and limiting the need for further complex subsystems.
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
This approach enables continuous and accurate position measurement without decreasing accuracy, reduces error accumulation, and improves reliability by using laser distance measurements to validate calculated coordinates, allowing for efficient tracking even in obstructed areas.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a distance to an object of image pickup by laser surveying
Implementation Method 2
laser distance measuring device measures a distance to the object of image pickup
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention provides a position measuring instrument, comprising a GPS position detecting device 7, an image pickup device 9 for continuously taking a digital image, a laser distance measuring device 8, and a measuring instrument main unit 2, wherein the GPS position detecting device measures positional data at a first point and a second point, the image pickup device continuously takes digital images on sceneries in surroundings during a process where the image pickup device moves from the first point, which is a known point, via the second point to a third point, which is an unknown point, the laser distance measuring device measures a distance to the object of image pickup in parallel to the image pickup by the images pickup device, and the measuring instrument main unit generates cracking point from the image obtained at the first point, sequentially identifies the tracking points from the tracing of points generated on the images to be acquired continuously, calculates three-dimensional positional data of the tracking points of the images acquired at the first point and the images acquired at the second point from the positional data at the first point and the second point, compares the result of calculation with the result of distance measurement by the laser distance measuring device, adopts the result of calculation within a predetermined limit of errors with respect to the measurement results as positional data of the tracking point, and calculates positional data of the third point from the positional data of the tracking point.