Geolocation via Aerial Image Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reliable GPS signals may be unavailable or compromised due to environmental factors or malicious interference, leading to inaccurate geolocation determination.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses visual imagery, such as aerial photography, correlated with geo-tagged photographs to determine geospatial coordinates, allowing for accurate geolocation even when GPS signals are unreliable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used to determine geolocation, then the geolocation can be obtained through satellite signals, but the reliability is compromised due to spoofing or jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary geolocation determination process that uses aerial photography and image correlation as a mediator between the compromised GPS system and the required accurate location data. When GPS signals are compromised, the system automatically switches to capturing aerial photographs, identifying visual targets, correlating with geo-tagged photographs, and determining geolocation through image matching - thus using an intermediary method to bypass the unreliable GPS signals
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring GPS signal reliability and automatically switching between GPS-based geolocation and photography-based geolocation methods. The system provides feedback on the reliability of GPS information and adjusts the geolocation determination method accordingly, switching to aerial photograph correlation when GPS reliability is compromised and potentially returning to GPS when reliability is restored
2Reliability
If aerial photography and image correlation method is used, then reliability of geolocation is improved when GPS is compromised, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by designing a multi-functional geolocation system that can operate in multiple modes: GPS-only mode, aerial photograph correlation mode, and hybrid mode. The same system infrastructure supports both traditional GPS satellite-based geolocation and the alternative photography-based method, allowing it to serve multiple operational requirements and environmental conditions with a single integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-capturing geo-tagged photographs of the search region and pre-establishing the correlation database before actual geolocation is needed. These reference photographs with known geospatial coordinates are prepared in advance, so when GPS failure occurs, the system can immediately use the pre-prepared visual reference data for rapid geolocation determination without needing to capture and process new reference images
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatically geolocating a visual target. The method comprises operating a flying vehicle in a search region including the visual target. The method further includes affirmatively identifying a visual target in an aerial photograph of the search region captured by the flying vehicle. The method further includes automatically correlating the aerial photograph of the search region to a geo-tagged photograph of the search region, wherein the geo-tagged photograph is labelled with pre-defined geospatial coordinates. Based on such automatic correlation, a geospatial coordinate is determined for the visual target in the search region.