Triangulation-Based Target Positioning Without Reference Model

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the position data of a target object in a reference system are limited, as they require the target to be part of a three-dimensional reference model, making it impossible to accurately measure moving objects or those not included in the model, and active methods pose risks to the observer.

Innovation Solution

The method involves sighting a point on the target object from two different observation positions, calculating its three-dimensional coordinates relative to the reference model, and using image processing to determine the observation positions, allowing for precise identification and tracking of targets without prior inclusion in the model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If passive methods using three-dimensional reference model are used, then measurement precision and observer safety are improved, but the ability to measure moving objects or objects not in the model deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget position determination accuracyVSAvoidcapability to measure moving objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static reference model matching to dynamic multi-position observation. By capturing images from multiple observation positions and calculating three-dimensional coordinates through triangulation, the system can track moving objects in real-time while maintaining measurement precision, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and adaptability to moving targets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds the temporal dimension by incorporating multiple observation positions and time points. Instead of relying solely on spatial matching within a static three-dimensional reference model, the system uses multi-dimensional coordinate calculation based on observations from different positions and times, enabling tracking of moving objects while preserving measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If active methods with laser range finder are used, then real-time target measurement is improved, but observer safety deteriorates due to detection risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time target measurement capabilityVSAvoidobserver detection risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a three-dimensional reference model as an intermediary to enable real-time target measurement without direct active sensing. By matching observed features against the pre-established three-dimensional reference model and calculating target coordinates through geometric relationships, the system achieves real-time measurement capability while the observer remains passive and undetected

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a virtual copy of the target position in the three-dimensional reference model coordinate system. By projecting observed target features into the three-dimensional space and calculating their coordinates, the system obtains real-time position data without the observer needing to actively illuminate or directly sense the target, thus maintaining safety while achieving real-time measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2897102B1Method for determining positional data of a target object in a reference system and method for guiding an aircraft, preferably in the form of a missile
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 MBDA DEUTSCHIAND GMBH
  • EP2897102B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2897102B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2897102B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for determining the positional data of a target object in a reference system from at least two observation positions spaced apart from the target object comprises the following steps: a) providing a three-dimensional reference model of the target object's environment; b) determining the positional data of at least a first and a second observation position by the steps: b1) capturing a first image of the target object's environment from the first observation position; b2) comparing the image captured from the first observation position with the reference model and determining the positional data of the first observation position relative to the reference model; b3) capturing a second image of the target object's environment from the second observation position;b4) Compare the image captured from the second observation position with the first image or with the reference model and determine the position data of the second observation position relative to the first image or relative to the reference model; c) Mark a point on the target object in the first image and calculate a first virtual line of sight from the first observation position to this point on the target object; d) Mark the same point on the target object in the second image and calculate a second virtual line of sight from the second observation position to this point on the target object; e) Calculate the three-dimensional coordinate of the point on the target object as its position data relative to the reference model as the intersection of the first and second virtual lines of sight.