Image-Based Direction Determination Without Direct Line of Sight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining direction are either inaccurate or too slow for applications like weapon aiming, or are cumbersome for users on foot, particularly in situations where direct observation of the target is not possible.
Innovation Solution
A method involving obtaining an orthorectified photo of a region, identifying a position and a reference object, capturing digital photos with a calibrated camera, and determining direction based on pixel coordinates and reference directions, optionally using additional reference objects and range data for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing direction determination methods are used, then direction can be determined, but the accuracy is insufficient for weapon aiming applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple digital photos of the target object from different positions and angles before the actual direction determination is needed. These pre-captured images are stored and can be quickly processed when direction information is required, eliminating the need for real-time direct observation and improving both accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies of the target object through digital photography. Instead of requiring direct line-of-sight observation, the system uses captured images as substitutes, allowing direction determination to be performed on these image copies. This enables accurate direction measurement without the limitations of direct observation.
2Measurement precision
If existing direction determination methods are used, then direction can be determined, but the speed is too slow for weapon aiming applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple digital photos of the target object from different positions and angles before the actual direction determination is needed. These pre-captured images are stored and can be quickly processed when direction information is required, eliminating the need for real-time direct observation and improving both accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical direction-finding methods (such as physical sighting devices requiring direct line-of-sight) with computational image processing methods. By using digital photo analysis and coordinate system transformations, the system achieves faster direction determination without the mechanical constraints of traditional optical instruments.
3Speed
If direct observation methods are used, then direction can be determined quickly, but the method is cumbersome for users on foot and requires line-of-sight
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates visual copies of the target object through digital photography. Instead of requiring direct line-of-sight observation, the system uses captured images as substitutes, allowing direction determination to be performed on these image copies. This enables accurate direction measurement without the limitations of direct observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical direction-finding methods (such as physical sighting devices requiring direct line-of-sight) with computational image processing methods. By using digital photo analysis and coordinate system transformations, the system achieves faster direction determination without the mechanical constraints of traditional optical instruments.
4Reliability
If existing direction determination methods are used, then direction can be determined, but the method is too inaccurate for precise applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple digital photos of the target object from different positions and angles before the actual direction determination is needed. These pre-captured images are stored and can be quickly processed when direction information is required, eliminating the need for real-time direct observation and improving both accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple reference points and coordinate system transformations to continuously refine direction accuracy. By comparing the position of reference objects in captured images with their known coordinates, the system can calculate and correct directional measurements, providing feedback that improves precision for weapon aiming applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a direction at a position is provided. The method involves obtaining an orthorectified photo of a region of Earth's surface comprising the position, and a coordinate system for the orthorectified photo; identifying the position in the orthorectified photo; identifying a reference object in the orthorectified photo; determining a reference direction between the position and the identified reference object; capturing at least one digital photo at the position with a calibrated digital camera, wherein at least one of the at least one captured digital photo depicts the reference object; and determining the direction based on the at least one captured digital photo and the determined reference direction, wherein the determined direction is based on at least one pixel coordinate corresponding to the depicted reference object in the at least one captured digital photo depicting the reference object.