Sensor Orientation Using Topographic Shape Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for sensor location and orientation, such as satellite-based and inertial navigation, are prone to interference and accuracy issues, particularly at high latitudes, leading to unreliable and time-consuming determinations.
Innovation Solution
A method using a sensor to acquire environmental shape information, compare it with known topographical data, and create digital models to determine location and orientation, supplemented by satellite and inertial navigation for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based navigation systems are used to determine sensor location and orientation, then location and orientation can be determined based on satellite signals, but the signals are weak and easily disrupted by jammers leading to incorrect or impossible determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of local reference sensors and a comparison unit that mediates between the vulnerable satellite signals and the final location/orientation determination. By comparing sensor measurements with pre-stored reference data of the surveillance area, the system can determine location and orientation without directly relying on vulnerable satellite signals, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.
2Reliability
If inertial navigation systems are used to determine sensor location and orientation, then external jammers cannot affect accuracy, but the system requires predetermined settling time to achieve necessary accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing reference data about the surveillance area's geometry and features in a database before the sensor system is deployed. This allows the comparison unit to immediately determine location and orientation by comparing current sensor measurements with the pre-prepared reference data, eliminating the need for time-consuming settling periods and enabling instant operational readiness.
3Reliability
If inertial navigation systems are used to determine sensor location and orientation, then jamming resistance is improved, but accuracy decreases with increasing latitude towards the poles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of local reference sensors and a comparison unit that mediates between the vulnerable satellite signals and the final location/orientation determination. By comparing sensor measurements with pre-stored reference data of the surveillance area, the system can determine location and orientation without directly relying on vulnerable satellite signals, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.
4Reliability
If magnetic compass is used to determine sensor orientation, then it can be used in event of severe interference or failure, but the accuracy is comparatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple determination methods by combining the robustness of inertial navigation systems with the local reference comparison method. The system integrates data from inertial sensors and local environmental feature comparisons to produce a combined location and orientation determination that maintains high accuracy while ensuring operational capability under severe interference conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (100) in which information concerning the shape of an environment is acquired (102) by means of a sensor (10). Furthermore, a location and orientation of the sensor (10) are determined based on a comparison of the acquired (102) information concerning the shape of the environment with previously known topographical data (104).