Target Positioning via Reference Object Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the position of a target in military and civilian applications are either cumbersome due to heavy equipment and time-consuming calibration procedures or require manual labor for satellite stereo imagery processing, limiting their effectiveness in time-sensitive and weight-constrained environments.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a geo-referenced three-dimensional map and a range and direction measuring device, such as a laser range finder, to determine the position of a target without requiring knowledge of the observer's position, allowing for systematic error avoidance and use of multiple reference objects to calculate the target's position accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser rangefinder combined with digital compass and GPS is used to determine target position, then the position can be determined with reasonable accuracy, but the equipment becomes heavy and requires time-consuming calibration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration requirement from the system by using a method that does not depend on knowing the observer's position. Instead of calibrating the device to the observer's location, the system measures relative positions of reference objects and target, then calculates the target's geo-referenced position through triangulation without needing the device's absolute position or orientation calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a simple range and direction measuring device that can be used by any observer at any position without requiring calibration specific to that observer's location. The method is universally applicable regardless of where the device is positioned, eliminating the need for location-specific calibration procedures.
2Measurement precision
If a laser rangefinder combined with digital compass and GPS is used to determine target position, then the position can be determined with reasonable accuracy, but the calibration procedure becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the calibration step entirely from the process. The system directly measures relative positions and calculates the target's geo-referenced coordinates through geometric triangulation using known reference object positions, eliminating the 10-15 minute calibration procedure required by conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference objects are pre-identified and their geo-referenced positions are determined in advance. This preliminary preparation allows the actual target positioning to proceed immediately without requiring calibration, as the geometric relationships can be directly calculated from the pre-established reference framework.
3Measurement precision
If satellite stereo imagery with manual surveying is used to determine target position, then geo-referenced position can be obtained, but manual labor and time are required for survey and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical surveying with automated electronic measurement. Instead of manual ground control point surveying and stereo correlation processing, the system uses electronic range and direction measurements combined with automated geometric calculation to rapidly determine target positions with high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automated calculation of target positions using the measured relative positions and known reference object coordinates. The geometric triangulation is computed automatically without requiring manual intervention for coordinate transformation or position calculation, significantly increasing processing speed.
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 rapid and accurate determination of a target's position using a portable, wearable device, reducing the time and weight burdens while eliminating systematic measurement errors, thus enhancing operational efficiency in field applications.
Implementation Method 1
the range and direction measuring device comprises a laser range finder
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method (1) and system for determining the position of a target. The method comprises a step of measuring (110) with a range and direction measuring device the position of at least one reference object relative to the position of the range and direction measuring device. The method further comprises a step of marking (120) the at least one reference object in a geo-referenced three-dimensional map so as to obtain a geo-referenced position of the at least one reference object. The method further comprises a step of measuring (130) with the range and direction measuring device the position of the target relative to the position of the range and direction measuring device. The method further comprises a step of calculating (150) a position of the target based on the measured position of the at least one reference object relative to the position of the range and direction measuring device, based on the measured position of the target relative to the position of the range and direction measuring device, and based on the obtained geo-referenced position of the at least one reference object.