Georeferenced Image Digitization via Coordinate Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current geolocation methods, such as those using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and optical survey instruments, often result in imprecise positioning due to limitations in image resolution and human error, particularly when identifying control points in images.

Innovation Solution

An image-based georeferencing system that utilizes a database of georeferenced images and a specialized image database management system to process and annotate images, allowing users to geolocate features through correlation with existing georeferenced data, thereby providing precise geolocation information using cameras and GNSS receivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional surveying instruments and GNSS receivers are used for geolocation, then positioning can be achieved, but the equipment is expensive and requires specialized skills to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of geolocationVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital copies of images from standard cameras instead of expensive optical survey instruments. By processing digital image data through automated algorithms, the system replicates the functionality of complex surveying equipment while using simple, widely available camera technology. This substitution dramatically reduces the barrier to entry for geolocation operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical optical survey instruments with digital image processing systems. Instead of using physical theodolites, total stations, or specialized GNSS receivers, the system uses standard digital cameras coupled with automated computational algorithms to achieve geolocation. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized mechanical equipment and operator skills.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual identification of control points in images is performed, then georeferencing can be completed, but human error introduces imprecision in positioning results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated image processing systems that perform georeferencing without human intervention. The system automatically identifies control points, matches them with known geographic coordinates, and computes positioning results through computational algorithms. This self-service approach eliminates human error in control point identification while maintaining high positioning accuracy through automated precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs iterative algorithms that automatically adjust and refine positioning results based on the identified control points and their known coordinates. The system provides feedback loops where computational errors are detected and corrected automatically, ensuring high measurement precision without relying on human judgment or manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If standard digital cameras are used for image capture, then equipment cost is reduced, but image resolution limits the precision of geolocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidgeolocation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the parameters of standard camera images through computational processing. By adjusting and optimizing image parameters such as focus, exposure, and resolution during the georeferencing process, the system extracts precise positional information even from images captured with standard cameras. The automated algorithms compensate for the inherent limitations of standard camera resolution through sophisticated image enhancement and coordinate transformation techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8897541B2Accurate digitization of a georeferenced image
Publication Date: 2014.11.25 TRIMBLE INC
  • US8897541B2 patent drawing
  • US8897541B2 patent drawing
  • US8897541B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of implementing accurate digitization from a georeferenced image is described. In one embodiment, at least one set of coordinates which have been measured at a point of interest is received. A correction is then determined which describes a difference between the at least one set of coordinates and a set of georeferenced coordinates from a georeferenced image of the point of interest which describes the position of the point of interest.