Cascaded Camera Arrays for High-Resolution Large Area Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photogrammetry systems face challenges in achieving timely and high-resolution aerial surveys due to conflicting requirements of precise camera orientation calculations and efficient data capture, often resulting in high costs, complex equipment, and inefficient use of resources, particularly due to excessive redundancy in image overlap.
Innovation Solution
The system employs arrays of image capturing devices with configurations that allow for high redundancy in overview images for accurate orientation calculations and minimal redundancy in detail images for efficient data capture, using cascaded cameras and parallel image processing to reduce redundancy and enhance resolution, enabling faster and more cost-effective surveys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple photos with large redundant overlap are taken to enable accurate photogrammetric positioning, then measurement precision of camera orientation is improved, but productivity of aerial survey is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image capture task into two distinct systems: an overview camera system that captures images with large redundant overlap for accurate photogrammetric positioning, and a detail camera system that captures images with minimal redundancy for efficient data collection. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If camera system size is increased to maximize megapixel count, then manufacturing precision of imagery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex high-megapixel camera system, the patent segments the imaging function into multiple lower-megapixel cameras working in parallel. The detail camera system uses several cameras that capture images with minimal overlap, achieving high effective resolution without requiring a single overly complex high-megapixel camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the output images from multiple detail cameras to create a composite high-resolution image. By merging the data from multiple simpler camera systems, the patent achieves the manufacturing precision of a high-megapixel system while avoiding the device complexity of a single complex camera.
3Productivity
If gyroscopically stabilized platform is used to reduce redundant photo overlap, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stabilization function between two systems: the overview camera system uses a gyroscopically stabilized platform to maintain precise orientation and enable accurate photogrammetric positioning with redundant overlap, while the detail camera system is designed to capture images with minimal redundancy regardless of platform motion. This segmentation allows the expensive stabilization system to be used only where it provides the most value.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed relating to acquisition of images regarding large area objects or large areas. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of obtaining or capturing, via a first system that includes one or more first image capturing devices, overview images, wherein the overview images depict first areas, as well as obtaining or capturing, via a second system that includes a plurality of image capturing devices, detail images characterized as being related to each other along an image axis. Moreover, the detail images may depict second areas that are subsets of the first areas, they may be arranged in strips parallel to the image axis, and they may have a higher resolution than corresponding portions of the first images.