Wearable Target Positioning via Geo-Referenced 3D Map

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the position of a target, such as in military and civilian applications, are often cumbersome, requiring heavy equipment, time-consuming calibration procedures, and manual labor, which can be impractical in time-sensitive and weight-constrained situations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a geo-referenced three-dimensional map on a wearable device that allows observers to mark and determine the position of a target without heavy equipment, enabling fast and accurate coordinate acquisition without the need for extensive training or external communication, using a range and direction measuring device for initial coordinates and a satellite-based navigation system for observer positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional methods using laser rangefinder and digital compass are employed, then target position determination accuracy is improved, but equipment weight and calibration time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget position determination accuracyVSAvoidequipment weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a pre-acquired image of the target area as a reference copy. The observer marks the target position on this copied image, which is then correlated with satellite stereo imagery to determine precise coordinates. This eliminates the need for heavy traditional surveying equipment while maintaining accuracy through image-based reference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical surveying equipment (laser rangefinder, digital compass, physical calibration tools) with an image-based system using smartphone cameras, satellite imagery, and computational correlation. This substitution dramatically reduces equipment weight while achieving comparable or superior positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional methods using laser rangefinder and digital compass are employed, then target position determination accuracy is improved, but calibration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget position determination accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-acquiring images of the target area and pre-establishing the coordinate system transformation relationships between different image sources. When the observer needs to mark a target, the system has already prepared the reference imagery and correlation algorithms, eliminating time-consuming on-site calibration while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If satellite stereo imagery with manual surveying is used, then target coordinates are obtained, but time consumption and manual labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget coordinate accuracyVSAvoidtargeting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automated image correlation algorithms that automatically match the observer's marked position on the reference image with corresponding features in satellite stereo imagery. The system performs the complex stereo correlation and coordinate transformation automatically without requiring manual surveying or back-office processing, dramatically increasing targeting speed while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If complex equipment and procedures are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget position accuracyVSAvoidobserver operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent presents the observer with a copied and processed view of the target area that is already georeferenced and aligned. The observer simply marks the target position on this prepared image copy, eliminating the need to understand complex coordinate systems or perform manual measurements. The system handles all complex transformations in the background, making the operation as simple as marking a point on an image while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 reduces the time and weight burden on observers, allows for immediate and accurate target coordinate determination, and facilitates user-friendly operation even in stressful situations, enabling quicker and more precise targeting processes.

Implementation Method 1

determined said first position and said second position by a satellite based positioning system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSatellite-based positioning:

Data Source

PatentEP3132284B1A target determining method and system
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 MAXAR INT SWEDEN AB
  • EP3132284B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3132284B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3132284B1 patent drawingFigure 2c

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a system for determining the position of a target. The system comprises a device for determining the position of an observer. The system further comprises a range and direction measuring device. The system even further comprises a coordinate determining module. The coordinate determining module is arranged to receive the position of the observer. The coordinate determining module is further arranged to receive information from the range and direction measuring device. The coordinate determining module is even further arranged to determine initial coordinates of the target based on the position of the observer and the received information from the range and direction measuring device. The system further comprises a wearable presentation device. The wearable presentation device is arranged to receive the determined initial coordinates of the target. The wearable presentation device is further arranged to present a geo-referenced three-dimensional map to the observer. The wearable presentation device is even further arranged to receive input from the observer so as to mark a new position of the target on the geo-referenced three-dimensional map. The wearable presentation device is also arranged to determine final coordinates of the target based on the marked new position of the target. The disclosure also relates to a method, a computer program and a computer program product for determining the position of a target. The disclosure also relates to a system, a method, a computer program and a computer program product for targeting.