Cross-Mode Image Correlation for GPS-Free Vehicle Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately determining vehicle location using infrared and visible spectrum images due to visual dissimilarities, leading to inaccurate location determinations.
Innovation Solution
A cross-mode image correlation system that utilizes an infrared camera, a database of visible spectrum images, and a controller to convert infrared images to grayscale, determine an absolute correlation surface, and identify a maximum peak value for navigation system updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared images are compared directly with visible spectrum images, then location determination can be performed without GPS, but visual dissimilarity causes inaccurate location determinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by converting the visible spectrum image to grayscale, which changes the parameter space of the image data. This transformation reduces the visual dissimilarity between infrared and visible spectrum images by removing color information, allowing for more accurate correlation and location determination.
2Reliability
If cross-mode image correlation is performed, then GPS-free location determination is achieved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the color information from the visible spectrum image by converting it to grayscale, removing the problematic color channel that causes visual dissimilarity. This extraction simplifies the correlation process by focusing only on intensity information, reducing computational complexity while maintaining location determination capability.
3Measurement precision
If visible spectrum images are converted to grayscale, then correlation with infrared images improves, but image detail is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces grayscale as an intermediary representation that mediates between the infrared and visible spectrum images. By converting the visible spectrum image to grayscale, it creates a common representation space that facilitates correlation while minimizing information loss, as grayscale preserves intensity information which is critical for correlation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cross-mode image correlation surface location system is provided that includes an infrared camera to capture an infrared image. A database stores images in a visible spectrum and location information associated with each stored image. A controller selects a stored image of the stored images in the database when the infrared camera captures the infrared image. Selection of the stored image of the stored images is based on an estimated location of a vehicle that includes the infrared camera. The controller converts the selected stored image into a grayscale image. The controller determines an absolute correlation surface between the captured infrared image and the grayscale image. The controller determines a maximum first peak value in the determined absolute correlation surface. The controller updates a navigation system of the vehicle based on a peak correlation location associated with the determined maximum first peak value.