Laser Rangefinder Trajectory Validation for Moving Targets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser rangefinders face challenges in obtaining reliable distance measurements due to operator and target object movement, leading to null or spurious data, and difficulty in determining whether the target object is accurately acquired and tracked.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a rangefinder with a processor and direction measuring unit that collects and analyzes position samples to identify spatially clustered data, applying curve-fitting algorithms to determine the target object's trajectory and validate acquisition and tracking, using a combination of distance and direction sensors to ensure accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the laser beam is transmitted at high frequency to obtain periodic distance samples, then the measurement frequency is improved, but the reliability of distance measurement deteriorates due to operator and target movement causing null or spurious data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting direction samples and position samples before final distance measurement validation. It pre-processes the data by identifying spatial clusters and fitting trajectories in advance, so that when distance measurements are taken at high frequency, they can be quickly validated against the pre-established trajectory model, resolving the contradiction between high measurement frequency and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring whether measured positions are consistent with the fitted trajectory. If measurements deviate from the expected trajectory due to operator or target movement, the system can identify and reject these spurious measurements, maintaining reliability even at high measurement frequencies
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator attempts to track a moving target object, then the tracking capability is improved, but the difficulty of determining valid acquisition and tracking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary trajectory fitting using direction samples and position samples before validation. By establishing an expected trajectory in advance, the system creates a reference model that makes it easier to determine whether subsequent distance measurements represent valid target acquisition or tracking, reducing the difficulty of validation
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by comparing measured positions against the fitted trajectory and indicating whether the target is validly acquired or tracked. This automated feedback mechanism reduces the operator's burden of manually determining valid tracking, especially for moving targets
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 enhances the reliability of distance measurements and accurately determines when a target object is validly acquired and tracked, reducing errors and improving operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
the time taken for the pulse to be reflected off the object and travel back to a detector of the rangefinder is used to compute the distance to the object
Implementation Method 2
The direction measuring unit includes one or more inertial sensors, for example one or more accelerometers, one or more gyroscopes, and/or a magnetometer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for acquiring a remote object is provided. The method comprises obtaining a sequence of position samples of the remote object, identifying one or more sets of spatially clustered position samples from among the obtained position samples, and applying curve-fitting to at least one set of spatially clustered position samples to obtain a trajectory of the set of spatially clustered position samples. Also provided is a method for tracking a remote object. The method comprising obtaining an estimated trajectory of the object, obtaining one or more position samples of the object, comparing the obtained position samples with positions computed based on the estimated trajectory, and determining that the object is being tracked based on whether the obtained position samples are consistent with the computed positions.