Receiver Positioning via Projected Reference Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geodetic positioning systems face limitations in determining the location and orientation of hand-held devices in obstructed terrain and interior spaces due to the need for direct line of sight, complexity, and high equipment requirements, especially in environments where satellite signals are obstructed or unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that projects detectable radiation spots using multiple laser projectors to create a set of reference points, allowing for independent positioning of transmitters and receivers, enabling continuous and accurate location and orientation determination without the need for direct line of sight or complex setup, using phase or transit time measurement principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct line of sight methods are used for position determination, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the system fails in obstructed terrain and interior spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces projection units as intermediary devices that project radiation spots onto reference objects in the environment. These projected spots serve as virtual reference points that can be detected by the receiver unit without requiring direct line of sight to the transmitters. The projection units act as mediators between the transmitters and the receiver, enabling position determination in obstructed environments by creating visible reference markers on surfaces around the workspace.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple theodolites are used to cover the entire region, then position determination coverage is improved, but equipment complexity and personnel requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transmitter unit multi-functional by integrating both position determination and reference point projection capabilities into a single device. The same transmitter that emits signals for position calculation also projects radiation spots onto reference objects to create visible reference points. This eliminates the need for separate projection devices and reduces the number of equipment pieces required while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of reference points by projecting radiation spots onto physical reference objects in the environment. Instead of requiring physical transmitters at every reference point location, the system projects optical copies (radiation spots) onto surfaces around the workspace. These projected spots serve as virtual reference points that can be detected by the receiver unit, reducing equipment requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If reference points are projected using multiple laser projectors, then availability of reference points increases, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmitter unit and projection unit into a single integrated device. The transmitter that generates signals for position determination also functions as a projection unit that creates radiation spots on reference objects. This combination eliminates the need for separate projection equipment and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high availability of reference points through multiple projected spots.
4Productivity
If automated target tracking is used, then continuous position determination is achieved, but the system loses target during large accelerations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple short-lived radiation spots projected onto different reference objects as disposable reference markers. Instead of tracking a single permanent target, the system projects multiple transient radiation spots onto various surfaces around the workspace. The receiver unit can detect any of these spots, providing redundancy that ensures continuous tracking even when the device undergoes large accelerations that might cause loss of a single tracked target.
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 simplifies the determination of location and orientation by creating a high availability of reference points, reducing equipment complexity, and maintaining an uninterrupted optical link, achieving mm-accurate distance information and robustness against ambient light, even in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
A set of reference points is projected by means of projection units with radiation spots generated by laser units
Implementation Method 2
using phase or transit time measurement principles
Implementation Method 3
using phase or transit time measurement principles
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and a system for determining the position of a receiver unit. According to said method, modulated radiation is generated by at least one radiation projector, and a number of reference points, from among which reference points lying within a detection range of the receiver unit are detected, are projected by means of said modulated radiation. Positional data, particularly location data and/or orientation data, is derived for the receiver unit from the radiation of said reference points.