Image-Aided GPS Navigation for Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
GPS navigation systems in vehicles like UAVs face inaccuracies due to noise, interference, and signal blockages from structures, leading to unreliable position estimation.
Innovation Solution
An image-aided GPS navigation system that combines GPS receiver data with relative motion estimation from image frames to improve position accuracy, using image processors to analyze camera data and update position estimates, even when GPS signals are blocked or corrupted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS navigation systems are used for vehicle navigation, then position estimation can be obtained, but the accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to noise, interference, and signal blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS position estimation with visual odometry position estimation to create a hybrid navigation system. The GPS receiver and camera system work together, with their respective position estimates fused through a navigation processor to produce a more accurate and reliable overall position estimate that compensates for the weaknesses of each individual system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual odometry as an intermediary system that bridges the gap when GPS signals are blocked or corrupted. The camera system captures image frames and estimates position through visual feature tracking, serving as a mediator that maintains navigation continuity when GPS alone would fail.
2Duration of action of moving object
If GPS signals are received in blocked locations, then navigation can continue, but the position estimation accuracy deteriorates due to signal blockages and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing and processing image frames continuously to establish visual odometry position estimates before GPS signals are blocked. This allows the system to maintain position tracking through visual features even when GPS signals are unavailable, ensuring navigation continuity without sacrificing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-aided GPS navigation deployed on a vehicle may include a GPS receiver configured to estimate the position of the vehicle based on signals received from one or more GPS satellites. The navigation system may also include an imager configured to capture image frames associated with an environment through which the vehicle travels and estimate the relative motion of the vehicle through the environment based at least in part on the image frames. The navigation system may also include a navigation processor configured to receive the position estimation from the GPS and the relative motion estimation, and determine an updated position estimation based at least in part on the relative motion estimation.