GPS image acquisition and tracking system

Abstract

A method for the onboard locating and tracking of remotely located targets from a search vehicle. These functions are accomplished by first receiving two separate location signals onboard the search vehicle. The first location signal corresponds to the location of the target and is transmitted by way of a transmitter to a transceiver positioned onboard the search vehicle. The second location signal corresponds to the location of the search vehicle itself, and is received by way of a receiver located onboard the search vehicle. These first and second location signals are processed together by a control processor to determine a relative location between the target and the search vehicle. The control processor then moves an image acquisition device, which includes a camera, in accordance with the relative location, and then visually captures the target with the camera. Visual contact is then maintained by continuously repeating the above described process.

What I claim is:  
     
         1 . A method for operating an image acquisition device; comprising the steps of: 
 providing a target at a first location thereof;    determining and transmitting a first location signal corresponding to said first location from said target;    receiving said first location signal at a search vehicle;    determining a second location corresponding to the search vehicle with which said image acquisition device is associated and generating a second location signal corresponding to said second location;    delivering said first and second location signals to a control processor;    processing said delivered first and second location signals to produce a relative location of said target in relation to said search vehicle in response to said first and second location signals;    moving said image acquisition device according to said relative location to thereby image said target from said search vehicle with a camera    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the steps of determining said first and second locations are accomplished by receiving at each said location, digital radio signals transmitted via satellites, and measuring the time required for said digital radio signals to travel from said satellites to said first and second locations to produce an accurate postion for said target and said search vehicle;  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the method is Global Positioning System compliant;  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , performing said method as either or both of said target or said search vehicle moves.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of stablizing said image acquisition device by use of position control sensors to take into account movement of said search vehicle.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of controlling the speed and position of said image acquisition device by using optical encoders.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of enhancing said image by zooming said image acquisition device in or out, and focusing said image by the use of a high-speed auto focus lens.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of capturing and maintaining said image by the manual operation of a joystick which controls said positioner.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of moving said image acquisition device by the manual entry of GPS coordinates by use of a keypad.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of moving said image acquisition device by manipulating said joystick until said target is visually found, and then depressing a button on said joystick to capture and store the location of said remote object.  
     
     
         11 . A tracking system comprising: 
 a transmitter configured to transmit a first location signal corresponding to a remote first location associated therewith;    a base unit configured for use as a search vehicle including:    a transceiver configured for use on a search vehicle for receiving said first location signal and delivers said first location signal to a control processor located on said search vehicle;    a local position receiver configured to determine a second location of said search vehicle and generates a second location signal corresponding to said second location and delivers said second location signal to said control processor;    said control processor that receives and processes said first and second location signals to produce a relative location of said remote first location in relation to said search vehicle; and    a camera mounted upon a positioner arranged to move the camera based on said relative position so as to allow ongoing imaging of said remote first location    
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  wherein said first and second locations are determined by receiving at each said location digital radio signals transmitted via satellites, and measuring the time required for said digital radio signals to travel from said satellites to said remote first location and said search vehicle in order to produce an accurate position of said remote first location and said search vehicle.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein said tracking system is Global Positioning System compliant.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein said tracking system is operable as either or both said remote first location or said search vehicle moves.  
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising the capability of controlling the speed and position of said positioner by use of optical encoders which are in communication with said control processor.  
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1   1 , wherein said positioner further comprises a spherical shaped pitch wheel which houses said camera.  
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 11  wherein said visual image can be enhanced by equipping said camera with X12 optical zoom with electronic imaging stabilizing capabilities, electronic X24 digital zoom, highspeed auto focus lens and a RS232C serial control interface.  
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising a mounting base adapted to couple with a gimbaled platform to support and maintain said positioner in a horizontal relationship with the horizon, as well as to offset movements of said search vehicle.  
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17  wherein said gimbaled platform is stabilized by use of position control sensors.  
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising an elevating mast to raise and lower said gimbaled platform and said positioner for extended viewing capabilities.  
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein said positioner can be manually controlled by use of a joystick to locate and obtain said visual image of said remote object.  
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 11  wherein said positioner can be controlled by entering said remote frist location's GPS coordinates via a keypad.  
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 11  wherein said positioner can controlled by manipulating said joystick until said remote first location is found and then depressing a button to lock on said remote first location.