Aircraft Peripheral Image Generation Using Camera Transfer Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating a peripheral image of an aircraft require expensive and complex combinations of sensors like RADAR and LIDAR, and involve lengthy calculations for constructing a 3D model, making them impractical for widespread aircraft installation and real-time application.
Innovation Solution
A method using multiple cameras on an aircraft to generate a peripheral image by calculating transfer functions that associate pixels of the peripheral image directly with corresponding pixels in acquired images, eliminating the need for a 3D model and reducing calculation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RADAR and LIDAR sensors are used to determine object location and construct a 3D model, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of object location determination from the complex RADAR/LIDAR system by using simpler camera-based vision systems. Instead of using expensive active sensors, the invention uses passive optical sensors (cameras) to achieve the same measurement goal through image processing and transfer function calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex sensors (RADAR, LIDAR) with cheaper, more readily available camera systems. This substitution reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining the core functionality of determining object locations for peripheral image generation.
2Measurement precision
If a 3D model is constructed from acquired images, then measurement precision is improved, but calculation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential spatial transformation function from the complete 3D modeling process. Instead of constructing full 3D models, the invention directly calculates transfer functions that map pixels from camera images to the peripheral view, eliminating the time-consuming 3D reconstruction step while preserving the necessary spatial accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of transfer functions that encode the geometric transformation relationships between camera views and peripheral perspectives. These pre-calculated transfer functions enable real-time image generation without requiring complex 3D model construction during operation, thus reducing calculation time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a peripheral image of an aircraft having pixels obtained from a plurality of cameras equipping the aircraft. The method is implemented by an electronic generation device. The method comprises a step of receiving a position of a peripheral point of view from which the peripheral image is to be generated. The method comprises steps of obtaining an orientation of the aircraft and of acquisition of a respective image from each camera. The method comprises a step of calculating a respective transfer function for each camera, each transfer function being intended for being applied to a pixel of the peripheral image so as to identify a possible corresponding pixel of the acquired image associated with the transfer function. The method comprises a step of generating the peripheral image from the images acquired from each camera and from each calculated transfer function.