Relative Sensor Positioning for Moving Factory Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale factory settings, especially in manufacturing and coastal environments, structural movements due to temperature changes, weather conditions, and tidal effects cause cameras to move relative to fixed reference points, leading to inaccurate positioning information, which is critical for precise metrology in low-tolerance applications like aircraft assembly.
Innovation Solution
A system of multiple positioning devices, such as LIDAR, that determine relative positions within a three-dimensional space without an absolute reference point, using redundancy to account for movements and recalibrate measurements, combined with imaging devices to obtain and process image data for accurate situational awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed reference point or benchmark is used to locate cameras within the space, then positioning information can be determined, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates when the structure moves due to environmental factors such as temperature changes, tidal movements, or wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of multiple positioning devices (LIDAR, cameras) that act as mediators between the moving structure and the measurement process. Instead of relying on a single fixed reference point, these intermediary devices track multiple features across the structure, providing stable measurements even when the structure moves due to environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes measurement parameters by using multiple positioning devices at different locations and orientations. The computing device processes data from multiple sources and adjusts measurement approaches based on detected structural movements, maintaining accuracy despite changing environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple positioning devices are used to determine relative positions without an absolute reference point, then reliability is improved by accounting for structural movements, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple independent positioning devices distributed across the structure. Each device independently measures local features, and the computing device integrates these segmented measurements into a coherent relative positioning solution, improving reliability without requiring a single complex reference system.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning devices are designed to perform multiple functions: they can determine relative positions, detect structural movements, and provide data for recalibration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each purpose, managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If cameras are mounted within the space to obtain image data, then situational awareness is provided, but positioning accuracy deteriorates when the cameras move relative to reference points due to structural changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the imaging function with the positioning function by integrating cameras with positioning devices. The same positioning devices that determine relative positions also capture image data, eliminating the need for separate camera mounting structures that could move independently and compromise measurement accuracy.
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 accurate and reliable determination of relative position information within a three-dimensional space, maintaining measurement precision even with environmental-induced structural changes, by over-determining relative positions and recalibrating the system to ensure consistent data accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of positioning devices, such as LIDAR, determine relative position data within a three-dimensional space
Data Source
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AI summary
An example system for determining relative position information includes a plurality of positioning devices for determining relative position data within a three-dimensional space, each positioning device having a line of sight. The relative position data determined via each positioning device includes relative position data with respect to the positioning device for each other positioning device within its line of sight. The system further includes a plurality of imaging devices for obtaining image data of an object within the three-dimensional space. The system also includes a computing device configured to correlate the relative position data determined via the plurality of positioning devices and the image data obtained via the plurality of imaging devices, to thereby determine relative position information corresponding to the object within the three-dimensional space.