Camera Network Localization via Epipolar Geometry Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for localizing nodes in a network of imaging devices fail to accurately determine the relative orientation of imaging devices, relying on radio or acoustic signals that do not provide easy calculation of orientation.
Innovation Solution
The system uses images taken by imaging devices to calculate relative position and orientation by extracting pertinent information, identifying epipolar points, and exchanging data between devices, which reduces transmission and storage burdens and allows for direct measurement of sensor nodes, including blind nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radio or acoustic signals are used for localization, then range information can be obtained, but relative orientation of imaging devices cannot be easily calculated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio/acoustic signal-based localization with an optical system using images captured by imaging devices. By using image data and geometric relationships (epipolar geometry) instead of electromagnetic or acoustic wave propagation, the system directly obtains both position and orientation information without complex signal processing, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces epipolar points and image data as intermediaries between imaging devices to establish geometric relationships. These intermediaries enable the calculation of relative position and orientation through image correspondence, avoiding the need for complex radio/acoustic signal processing while maintaining localization accuracy
2Measurement precision
If entire pictures are sent to a central location for processing, then localization can be performed, but transmission and storage burden increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential localization information (epipolar points and their coordinates) from the complete images. Instead of transmitting entire pictures, the system identifies and transmits only the critical feature points needed for localization, dramatically reducing data transmission volume while preserving localization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image data into relevant and irrelevant portions, transmitting only the segmented epipolar point coordinates rather than complete images. This segmentation approach allows the system to process and transmit minimal necessary data for localization, reducing the quantity of transmitted substance while maintaining measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for localizing imaging devices in a network using images taken by the imaging devices. The relative position and orientation of a network of camera-equipped communications devices are obtained by having each device examine images taken by its camera. The devices are also equipped with controllable light sources that vary their output in a predetermined manner. This variation is found in images and used to identify the devices in view and to define epipolar points related to the other imaging devices in view. Common reference points in the image are also identified. The imaging devices then exchange details of the epipolar and common reference points with each other, and use them to obtain their relative position and orientation.