3D Point Tracking From Multi-Image Vehicle Camera Views

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining accurate three-dimensional locations of objects within images captured by moving vehicles, such as drones, is challenging due to camera movement and distance variation, often requiring costly and heavy laser systems, which are impractical for many applications.

Innovation Solution

An image processing system using machine learning models to identify objects, determine their real-world dimensions, and estimate distances by analyzing multiple images from varying angles, combining metadata to calculate precise three-dimensional locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If heavy and costly laser systems are used to determine three-dimensional location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional location accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical laser ranging systems with a computational approach using standard camera imaging combined with machine learning algorithms. The system processes images to identify objects, estimate their real-world dimensions, and calculate three-dimensional locations through coordinate transformations, eliminating the need for complex laser measurement hardware while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual three-dimensional model of the operational area by processing and transforming two-dimensional camera images. Instead of directly measuring physical distances with laser equipment, the system generates computational representations of object locations, orientations, and dimensions through image analysis and coordinate system transformations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If laser systems are used for three-dimensional location determination, then measurement precision is improved, but weight of moving object increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional location accuracyVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes heavy laser measurement hardware with lightweight computational processing. Standard camera equipment combined with onboard or remote processing systems replaces the need for laser ranging devices, significantly reducing the weight of the vehicle while preserving the ability to determine three-dimensional locations through image-based calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If specialized equipment is used to determine three-dimensional locations, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determination accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex specialized measurement equipment with standard camera systems and automated software processing. The machine learning models automatically perform object identification, dimension estimation, and location calculation, eliminating the need for operators to manually operate complex laser measurement devices or perform complex calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically processing images to extract three-dimensional information without requiring specialized operator skills or manual intervention. The machine learning algorithms autonomously identify objects, estimate their properties, and calculate locations, making the system easy to operate while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If heavy equipment is carried on the vehicle, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy by moving object increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional location accuracyVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces energy-intensive laser measurement systems with computationally-efficient image processing. Standard camera sensors consume minimal energy compared to active laser ranging equipment, and the processing can be performed onboard or remotely, reducing the energy burden on the vehicle's power system while maintaining location determination accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12561837B2Point of interest tracking and estimation

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 TOMAHAWK ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

Methods and systems are described herein for determining three-dimensional locations of objects within identified portions of images. An image processing system may receive an image and an identification of location within an image. The image may be input into a machine learning model to detect one or more objects within the identified location. Multiple images may then be used to generate location estimations of those objects. Based on the location estimations, an accurate three-dimensional location may be calculated.