Aerial Imaging Scale Calibration Using Converging Light Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for scaling large scenes in aerial images, such as photogrammetric creation of three-dimensional models, are inaccurate and unreliable due to cumulative errors in conventional scaling methods, and large physical markers are impractical for use in various locations.
Innovation Solution
A system of markers with pairs of light emitters that emit collimated light beams intersecting at known distances is used to provide an accurate scene scale reference, allowing for precise alignment and scaling in captured aerial images, enabling the creation of accurate three-dimensional models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional scaling methods are used for aerial images, then the process is simple and practical, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor due to cumulative errors
Solution Approach 1:
The scaling system is segmented into multiple distributed markers placed throughout the scene, each marker independently providing scale reference information. This divides the single-point scaling problem into multi-point distributed scaling, eliminating cumulative errors along measurement paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Markers with light emitters serve as intermediary objects between the aerial camera and the ground scene. These markers provide known reference distances and facilitate accurate scale calculation by acting as intermediate measurement points that bridge the aerial and ground reference frames.
2Measurement precision
If large physical markers are used for scaling, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The solution transitions from using large two-dimensional physical markers to small three-dimensional markers that utilize the vertical dimension through light emission. The light emitters project reference information in multiple directions, effectively increasing the functional dimensionality of compact markers and enabling accurate scaling without requiring large physical footprints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical large-scale markers with a hybrid system combining small physical markers and optical components (light emitters). The optical field substitutes for the need for large physical dimensions, as light can propagate over long distances from compact sources, eliminating the trade-off between marker size and measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple markers are placed and aligned using conventional methods, then the measurement precision improves, but the time and complexity of alignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The markers are designed with self-aligning capabilities through light emitters that project reference beams. These beams automatically indicate the correct spatial relationships and alignment positions, allowing markers to self-align without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures, thereby reducing alignment time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Markers are pre-configured with known distances between light emitters and pre-programmed alignment patterns. This preliminary preparation of alignment reference information eliminates the need for time-consuming field alignment procedures, as markers can be quickly deployed and automatically establish their spatial relationships through their built-in reference systems.
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
The system allows for accurate scaling of large scenes with high precision and portability, reducing errors and costs associated with conventional methods, while being practical for use in various locations.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of light emitters of another one of the plurality of markers, where each of the pairs of light beams converge at a known distance from the marker that emits the pair of light beams
Implementation Method 2
each of the pairs of light beams converge at a known distance from the marker that emits the pair of light beams
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides for a system of markers and methods of using the system of markers to provide a precise scene scale reference for captured aerial images. Each of the markers may include one or more pairs of aligned collimated light emitters, where each pair of light emitters is configured to emit two light beams that converge at a known distance from the marker. When two or more markers are used, the system of markers may be aligned in a unique physical orientation to form a shape of known dimensions (e.g., a line, a triangle, or square) that provides an accurate scene scale reference for captured images.