Image-Based Location Matching for GPS-Denied Urban Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
GPS-based location determination is unreliable in urban areas due to obstructions and poor satellite connectivity, leading to inaccurate location estimation.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses image processing techniques to determine location by matching captured images with a library of reference background images, utilizing a background feature extractor neural network and geometric matching to identify matching images and determine location information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS satellite communication is used for location determination, then location information can be obtained through satellite signals, but location accuracy deteriorates in urban areas with obstructions and poor satellite connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera and image processing system as an intermediary to establish location determination through visual feature matching. Instead of relying solely on GPS satellite signals, the system captures images of the urban environment, extracts visual features (buildings, streets, landmarks), and matches them with pre-stored reference images to determine location. This intermediary approach bridges the gap when GPS signals are obstructed by buildings or other urban structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the radio wave-based GPS mechanical system with an optical/image-based system. By substituting the electromagnetic wave communication method (GPS) with visual capture and processing (camera-based image matching), the system overcomes the limitations of signal blockage in urban environments. The image processing system processes visual information to achieve location determination where traditional GPS fails.
2Measurement precision
If image processing is used for location determination, then location accuracy improves in urban areas, but system complexity increases due to additional hardware and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera serve multiple functions: it captures images for location determination, and the same hardware can be used for other purposes such as navigation assistance, environmental monitoring, or user interface elements. The image processing algorithms are designed to extract location information while potentially providing additional data for other applications, thereby amortizing the complexity across multiple uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-capturing and storing reference images of urban environments with their corresponding location metadata before actual location determination is needed. This pre-processing creates a database of visual landmarks that can be quickly matched against live camera feeds, reducing the computational complexity during real-time operation. The heavy lifting of image collection and initial processing is done in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to systems and methods of location determination based on images. Embodiments perform comparison of an input image to images in a library of reference background images using a background matching module to identify a matching image. Embodiments determine location associated with the input image based on the metadata associated with the matching background image.