Dynamic Trigger Rate Control for Street-Level 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for capturing street-level images for three-dimensional representation of buildings face challenges in ensuring adequate forward overlap between images, leading to excessive data processing and potential GPS reception issues in congested areas.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically determines the trigger rate for a digital camera mounted on a moving vehicle, using sensors like laser measurement systems, odometers, and inertial navigation systems to maintain a desired forward overlap of 60-80% between images, adjusting based on distance and vehicle velocity/angle, ensuring efficient data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If images are captured at a defined high frequency to ensure forward overlap, then the overlap requirement is met, but the data volume increases substantially making processing computationally intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the trigger rate adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically modifies the trigger rate based on actual vehicle velocity and distance to the imaged surface, allowing the imaging system to adapt its data capture rate to current operating conditions, thereby optimizing the balance between overlap reliability and data volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of trigger rate from a static defined value to a dynamic parameter that is continuously adjusted based on measured vehicle velocity and distance. This parameter change allows the system to maintain adequate overlap while reducing data capture when conditions permit, thus reducing overall data volume without compromising overlap requirements
2Productivity
If GPS sensor is used to trigger images at predefined distance intervals, then data capture is optimized, but the system fails when GPS reception is suboptimal in congested cities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system (laser range finder or other distance sensor) that directly measures the distance between the imaging system and the imaged surface. This intermediary device provides reliable distance information without depending on GPS satellite reception, enabling accurate trigger rate determination even in congested urban environments where GPS signals are blocked
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the GPS-based electronic positioning system with a direct mechanical/optical measurement system (laser range finder or similar sensor). This replacement eliminates dependence on satellite reception by using direct line-of-sight measurement between the sensor and the imaged surface, ensuring reliable operation in GPS-denied environments
3Reliability
If a fixed trigger rate is used to ensure forward overlap, then overlap is maintained, but excessive data is captured when vehicle velocity or distance varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring actual vehicle velocity and distance to the imaged surface, then using these measurements to adjust the trigger rate. This closed-loop control ensures that the trigger rate always corresponds to current operating conditions, maintaining consistent forward overlap while avoiding unnecessary data capture that would waste computational resources
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed trigger rate to a dynamic trigger rate that continuously adapts to changing vehicle velocity and distance conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures overlap consistency across varying operating conditions while optimizing data capture efficiency and reducing computational load
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 reduces data redundancy and computational intensity while maintaining the necessary overlap for accurate three-dimensional representation, even in areas with suboptimal GPS reception.
Implementation Method 1
a laser measurement system or other suitable sensor that can detect a distance between a surface that is desirably captured by the digital camera and the digital camera
Data Source
AI summary
A system that facilitates determining a trigger rate for a digital camera to provide a threshold forward overlap for consecutively captured images is described herein. The system includes a receiver component that receives first data pertaining to a distance between the digital camera and a surface. The system additionally includes a rate determiner component that is in communication with the receiver component, wherein the rate determiner component determines the trigger rate for the digital camera based at least in part upon the first data, wherein the trigger rate is indicative of an amount of time between consecutive images captured by the digital camera.