Video Camera Local Positioning for Aircraft Surface Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing local positioning systems for aircraft repair and maintenance face challenges such as reduced precision due to curvature of the aircraft surface, complexity in setup, accuracy issues from interference, and insufficient resolution, particularly when requiring physical contact or line-of-sight for 3D positioning.
Innovation Solution
A local positioning system utilizing a video camera with pan-tilt mechanism, integrated with 3D localization software, allows for non-contact measurement by determining the camera's orientation and position relative to the aircraft using calibration points and azimuth/elevation angles, enabling precise location and sizing of damage/repair sites without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic sensors are mounted on the aircraft to provide 3-D positioning capability, then positioning capability is achieved, but curvature of the aircraft surface distorts the acoustic path and reduces precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinate transformation system that acts as an intermediary between the camera's perspective and the aircraft's surface coordinate system. This mathematical transformation mediates the distortion caused by surface curvature, allowing accurate positioning without direct contact with the curved surface that would distort acoustic paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the acoustic-based mechanical positioning system with an optical vision-based system. Instead of using sound waves that are distorted by aircraft surface curvature, the system uses visual data from a camera combined with coordinate transformations to achieve precise positioning, eliminating the harmful acoustic distortion effect.
2Ease of operation
If laser-based positioning systems stand off the aircraft structure to take location data, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but the laser beam must be directed in a somewhat perpendicular orientation to obtain sufficient reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from relying on perpendicular laser reflection to using visual features detectable from multiple angles. The vision-based system can capture and process features regardless of their orientation relative to the camera, eliminating the strict perpendicular orientation requirement while maintaining non-contact measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can measure features regardless of their orientation or position on the aircraft surface. Unlike laser systems that require specific angular relationships, the vision-based system with coordinate transformation can universally capture and locate features from various angles and distances, simplifying operation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple laser emitters or camera units are placed around the work volume, then positioning accuracy is improved, but process complexity and data collection effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task into two parts: a single camera captures visual data from one position, and coordinate transformation algorithms mathematically compute the 3D positions. This segmentation allows achieving 3D positioning accuracy without physically placing multiple cameras or laser emitters around the work volume, reducing setup complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual 3D model or coordinate representation of the aircraft surface and features through mathematical transformation rather than physically capturing data from multiple physical positions. This virtual copying approach achieves positioning accuracy equivalent to multiple physical sensors without the complexity of deploying them.
4Ease of operation
If GPS or active RFID-based systems are used for positioning, then device placement is simplified, but resolution is insufficient for detailed damage and repair measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from the low-resolution GPS/RFID positioning dimension to the high-resolution visual dimension. By using a camera to capture detailed visual information and applying coordinate transformations, the system achieves fine-resolution measurements suitable for damage assessment while maintaining operational simplicity through single-device placement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A local positioning system which includes a video camera, a computer communicating with the video camera and a target object sighted by the video camera and having a target object coordinate system. The computer is adapted to define a relative position and orientation of the video camera with respect to the target object, determine a position and orientation of the video camera in the target object coordinate system, and determine the position of a point of interest in the target object coordinate system. The system can also be used to aim the camera at a previously recorded point of interest on the target object. Contact with, or close proximity to, the target object is not required. A local positioning method is also disclosed.