Indoor Image GPS Accuracy Through Depth-Based Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
GPS coordinates captured indoors are often inaccurate, hindering the precise geolocation of indoor objects and alignment of indoor and outdoor images within a universal global positioning system, which is crucial for generating accurate 3D models of environments.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a filtering component to remove low-quality GPS data, a geolocation component to match GPS coordinates with capture locations, and an optimization component to refine coordinates using an optimization problem with a cost function that penalizes errors, aligning them with a local 3D system and global positioning system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS coordinates are used for indoor image capture locations, then geolocation capability is provided, but accuracy of coordinates deteriorates significantly in indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces depth data as an intermediary to bridge GPS coordinates and actual capture locations. Depth sensors capture spatial information about the environment, which serves as a mediator to translate inaccurate GPS coordinates into accurate local 3D system positions. This intermediary enables the system to overcome GPS limitations indoors by using relative depth measurements to establish precise spatial relationships between capture locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the coordinate system parameters from global GPS coordinates to local 3D system coordinates. By changing the reference frame and using depth-based spatial parameters, the system converts unreliable absolute positioning data into reliable relative positioning data within the local environment, thereby improving measurement precision for indoor locations.
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors are used to capture metadata, then rich position and orientation data is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple sensor types (GPS receiver, depth sensor, magnetometer, IMU, wireless communication unit) into a unified processing framework. By combining these diverse sensor inputs and integrating their respective metadata through a common coordinate transformation system, the patent achieves comprehensive position and orientation information while managing system complexity through unified data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal processing framework that handles multiple sensor types and their respective data formats through a single coordinate transformation system. This multi-functional approach allows the same processing pipeline to accommodate GPS coordinates, depth data, orientation information, and other metadata, reducing the need for separate processing paths for each sensor type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If GPS data is used for both indoor and outdoor environments, then a unified geolocation system is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates in indoor environments due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using environment-specific data sources for coordinate refinement. For indoor locations, the system prioritizes depth data and local 3D system transformations, while for outdoor locations, it relies more heavily on GPS coordinates. This localized approach to data quality ensures optimal measurement precision for each environment while maintaining a unified geolocation system through the common transformation framework.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, computer-implemented methods, apparatus and/or computer program products are provided that facilitate improving the accuracy of global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of indoor photos. The disclosed subject matter further provides systems, computer-implemented methods, apparatus and/or computer program products that facilitate generating exterior photos of structures based on GPS coordinates of indoor photos.