Image-Based Positioning System Using Map Database Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional positioning techniques, such as GPS and LiDAR, face inefficiencies and high costs due to time-consuming satellite signal reception and high expenses associated with LiDAR systems, respectively, which hinder fast and cost-effective high-precision location determination.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system that captures images and queries a map database to determine coordinates, utilizing an image comparison module to match captured images with stored sample images and their corresponding coordinates, thereby eliminating the need for GPS and reducing hardware costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS system is used for positioning, then positioning can be achieved, but processing time is long and system efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual map database that copies and stores pre-captured images with their corresponding GPS coordinates. Instead of processing live satellite signals in real-time, the system captures images at known positions, stores them in a database, and then matches query images against this pre-processed database, dramatically reducing positioning time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing images at known positions before actual positioning is needed. The map database is pre-populated with images and their corresponding coordinates, so when positioning is required, the system only needs to perform image matching rather than full signal processing, thus reducing processing time.
2Measurement precision
If LiDAR system is used for positioning, then high-precision positioning can be achieved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive LiDAR hardware with a low-cost image capturing device (such as a camera). The system uses readily available imaging technology combined with a database of pre-captured images to achieve positioning, eliminating the need for costly specialized sensors while maintaining positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/optical LiDAR sensing system with an image-based recognition system. Instead of using laser ranging and terrain sensing, the system uses image capture and comparison algorithms to determine position, replacing complex hardware with software-based image processing.
3Measurement precision
If GPS system is used for positioning, then positioning can be achieved, but positioning speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a copy of the environment in the form of a map database containing pre-captured images with known positions. When positioning is needed, the system quickly matches the current image against this database copy, achieving fast positioning results without the slow satellite signal acquisition and processing required by traditional GPS.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image capture and database population before actual positioning operations. By pre-processing and storing images at known locations, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time satellite signal processing, enabling rapid positioning through simple image matching operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning method and a positioning device are provided. The positioning method includes providing a map database, and obtaining a target image and querying the map database with the target image so as to determine a target coordinate corresponding to the target image.