Floor Object Geo-Referencing via Automated Reference Point Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geo-referencing techniques for objects on a floor are complex and lack the accuracy required by certain applications, often requiring manual calibration and providing inadequate geographical coordinates.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves receiving a camera frame and a detailed floor plan, selecting a first area for tracking, defining reference points near mid-points along axes, mapping these points to the floor plan, and processing the camera frame to geo-reference objects within the selected area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calculation/calibration is used for geo-referencing, then the system can be simpler to operate, but the accuracy and reliability of geographical coordinates deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs geo-referencing by detecting reference points in camera frames and matching them with corresponding points in floor plan images. The automated point matching and coordinate transformation eliminates the need for manual calculation while achieving high accuracy (2.85 inches or better), thus improving measurement precision without requiring complex manual calibration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration processes with an automated image processing system that uses computer vision algorithms. The system automatically detects reference points, matches them between camera frames and floor plans, and computes geographical coordinates through automated coordinate transformation, thereby improving accuracy while reducing operational complexity
2Measurement precision
If existing geo-referencing techniques are used, then the system can be simpler, but the measurement precision and reliability of geographical coordinates deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where detected reference points in camera frames are continuously matched with floor plan references to verify and refine geographical coordinate calculations. This iterative feedback process ensures high reliability and accuracy (2.85 inches or better) by validating each geo-referencing operation against known reference locations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing floor plan images to identify and store reference point coordinates before actual geo-referencing operations. This preliminary preparation of reference data enables rapid and accurate geo-referencing during execution, improving both measurement precision and reliability without requiring complex real-time calculations
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are set up at different locations, then the coverage area increases, but the device complexity and manual calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal geo-referencing algorithm that works consistently across multiple cameras without requiring separate calibration for each device. The same automated point matching and coordinate transformation process is applied to all camera frames, enabling multi-camera coverage of large floor areas while maintaining simple operation and high accuracy through a single unified processing pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and a method for geo-referencing an object on a floor. The method comprises receiving a camera frame providing view of a section of the floor, receiving a detailed floor plan of the floor, selecting a first area from the section of the floor in which the object needs to be tracked and defining a plurality of reference points. Herein, at least one of the pluralities of reference points is close to a mid-point along one of corresponding axes of the first area. The method further comprises mapping the plurality of reference points to the floor plan, processing the camera frame to determine if the object has been placed in the first area and geo-referencing the one or more object in the floor plan if the object is determined to be placed in the first area.