Aircraft Imaging Attitude Error Detection from Relative Image Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote sensing systems face challenges in accurately determining the orientation of an imaging device mounted on an aircraft relative to its trajectory and target, as they rely on external references and cannot correct attitude errors without known geographic locations or absolute truth sources within the images.
Innovation Solution
The system determines attitude errors by analyzing the motion of fixed reference features within images acquired while the aircraft traverses a known trajectory, using perspective transformations and elliptical path analysis to identify and correct orientation errors based solely on image data, without relying on external geodetic references.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external reference points or absolute truth sources are used to correct attitude errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational constraints increase due to dependency on external geodetic references
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the imaging device itself and the captured image data to determine attitude errors, without requiring external reference points or absolute truth sources. The relative motion of features within the images provides the necessary information for self-correction of orientation errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image data and feature tracking as an intermediary between the imaging device and the attitude determination process. By analyzing the motion of features in sequential images, the system mediates the measurement of orientation errors without direct external references.
2Measurement precision
If external geodetic references are required for attitude correction, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to operate without known geographic locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs attitude error determination using only the imaging device and captured images, enabling operation in locations without known geographic references. The method extracts all necessary information from the image data itself, providing adaptability to unknown environments.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using external references to determine attitude errors, the patent inverts the approach by using the motion of features within the images to infer orientation errors. This reversal enables operation without external geodetic knowledge.
3Reliability
If traditional attitude determination methods are used, then reliability is maintained through established techniques, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to correct attitude errors without external references
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback loop where image data is continuously analyzed to determine attitude errors, which then inform corrections to the imaging device orientation. This closed-loop approach maintains reliability while improving measurement precision through continuous error correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or external-reference-based attitude determination systems with an image-processing-based method. By substituting the mechanical/external reference system with computational image analysis, the system achieves both reliability and improved precision.
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: determining a target in a line of sight of an imaging device mounted to an aircraft; acquiring a plurality of images from the imaging device while steering the aircraft through a trajectory about the target; determining a mapping of a fixed reference feature in the plurality of images; and determining an error in an orientation of the imaging device based upon the mapping of the fixed reference feature.