Aerial Image Mosaic Cutting Edge Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in determining the optimal cutting edges of overlapping aerial images to minimize data redundancy while ensuring real-time transmission and assembly of aerial image mosaics, particularly in airborne earth remote sensing, where varying flight parameters and camera orientations complicate the identification of constant overlaps.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing an elevation model and camera projection models, combined with a position and orientation measuring system, determines the cutting edges by calculating pixel positions and lines across multiple camera positions, adjusting for rotations and terrain structure to eliminate gaps and minimize redundant data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If data reduction is performed by discarding redundant overlapping image data, then data transmission volume is reduced, but information loss or gaps in the aerial image mosaic may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission volumeVSAvoidinformation loss in aerial image mosaic
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the aerial image mosaic into discrete image footprints from multiple cameras, determining individual cutting edges for each image based on its specific overlap with adjacent images. This segmentation allows precise control over which data to retain and which to discard, ensuring minimal data transmission while maintaining complete coverage without gaps in the final mosaic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If cutting edges are determined based on constant overlap assumptions, then data reduction is simplified, but accuracy decreases when flight parameters and camera orientations vary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of cutting edge determinationVSAvoidaccuracy of cutting edge determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic approach where cutting edges are determined individually for each image based on its actual position and orientation parameters. Rather than assuming constant overlap, the system calculates cutting edges in real-time using measured flight parameters and camera orientations, adapting to varying conditions while maintaining accuracy in the aerial image mosaic assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If all overlapping image data is transmitted to ensure complete coverage, then information completeness is maintained, but data transmission efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of aerial image mosaicVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary determination of cutting edges before data transmission, using pre-acquired position and orientation parameters to identify which image portions are redundant. This preliminary action allows the system to discard known redundant data in advance, transmitting only essential unique information while ensuring complete mosaic coverage, thereby improving transmission efficiency without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3556088B1Method and device for determining intersections between two overlapping images of a surface
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FÜR LUFT UND RAUMFAHRT E V
  • EP3556088B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3556088B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device (1) for determining the leading edges (S1, S2) of two overlapping image captures of a surface (OF), comprising at least one camera (2) having a matrix-type sensor (6), having n lines (7), a position and location measuring system (3), an evaluation unit (4) and a storage means (5), wherein an elevation model (H) of the surface (OF) and a projection model (P) of the camera (2) are stored in the storage means (5), which the evaluation unit (4) can access, wherein the camera position (P1, P2) in the first and second image capture is determined by means of the position and location measuring system (3), wherein a horizontal mid-point (M) between the two camera positions (P1, P2) is determined and a projection of the mid-point (M) onto the surface (OF) is carried out, wherein a back projection onto the sensor (6) is carried out in the first and second camera position (P1, P2) by means of the projection model (P) for the point (MO) determined in the above-mentioned manner and a respective pixel is determined, wherein the respective line of the sensor (6) is determined, four solid angles (RW1-4) of the respective first and last pixel (Pix1-4) of the lines (7.Z1 M0, 7.Z2M0) are determined and their leading points (SP1-SP4) are determined with the elevation model (H), mid-points (M1, M2) are determined between the leading points and projected back into the sensors in the first and second position, associated lines are determined, wherein the smallest determined line (7.MIN1) is selected as the leading edge (S1) for the first camera position (P1) and the largest determined line (7.MAX2) is selected as the leading edge (S2) for the second camera position (P2).