Aircraft Sensor Synchronization for Altitude Offset Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial imaging systems face challenges in efficiently generating accurate point clouds of regions due to errors in altitude measurements between multiple aircraft, leading to increased processing time and reduced accuracy in stitching images taken at different altitudes.
Innovation Solution
An aerial imaging system that uses stereo depth triangulation to determine the altitude of key points from images and compares these altitudes between aircraft, calculating an offset to adjust the altitude of one or both aircraft for synchronized imaging, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple aircraft are used to collect aerial imaging data, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to altitude errors between aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses stereo depth triangulation to calculate the actual altitude of each aircraft relative to key points on the ground, compares this with the measured altitude, and generates feedback in the form of an offset value that is applied to correct the altitude measurement. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the altitude precision issues when using multiple aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces stereo depth triangulation as an intermediary measurement method to bridge the gap between direct altitude sensor measurements and actual aircraft position. By using key points on the ground as reference and calculating depth through triangulation, the system obtains an indirect but more accurate altitude measurement that can be used to correct sensor errors.
2Device complexity
If altitude measurements from multiple aircraft are used without correction, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates in the final point cloud model
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by using the imaging data itself to determine altitude offsets. The stereo depth triangulation process automatically calculates the relationship between measured and actual altitude without requiring external calibration equipment or complex intervention, enabling the system to self-correct its measurements.
3Measurement precision
If stereo depth triangulation is implemented to correct altitude errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary altitude correction by calculating offset values before final point cloud generation. By determining and applying altitude offsets in advance, the system prepares corrected altitude data that can be used throughout the processing pipeline, avoiding the need for complex real-time corrections during point cloud creation.
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
This approach enables more precise and efficient data collection by ensuring consistent altitudes between aircraft, reducing processing time and enhancing the accuracy of point cloud generation by correcting altitude errors, allowing for faster and more accurate image processing and point cloud creation.
Implementation Method 1
A first distance from a first aircraft to a key point is determined using first images of a key point generated by the first aircraft during a flight of the first aircraft and stereo depth triangulation
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for operating an aerial imaging system. A first altitude of a first aircraft is determined, by a computer system, using first images of a key point generated by the first aircraft during a flight and stereo depth triangulation. The first altitude is compared with a second altitude of a second aircraft determined by the second aircraft, by the computer system, to form a comparison. An offset between the first altitude and the second altitude is determined, by the computer system, using the comparison. At least one of the first altitude or the second altitude is adjusted based on the offset. A plurality of images of a region from the first aircraft at the first altitude and from the second aircraft at the second altitude is obtained.