In-Mission Photogrammetry for Rapid Virtual Model Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photogrammetry methods are slow and require extensive manual intervention, making it impossible to generate virtual models of target environments in time for urgent or short-notice military missions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for in-mission photogrammetry that involves capturing images of a target environment, identifying a representative subset of images, and transmitting them to a processing node for real-time virtual model generation, allowing for the creation of 3D virtual models while the imaging platform is still surveying the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional photogrammetry methods are used to generate virtual models, then measurement precision and model accuracy are improved, but the time required for processing increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photogrammetry workflow into distinct phases: image capture by imaging platform, preliminary processing and feature extraction at edge computing devices, and final model generation at centralized processing nodes. This segmentation enables parallel processing and reduces the critical path time while maintaining model accuracy through distributed computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images and extracting key features during the imaging platform's survey mission, before the platform needs to return or before centralized processing can occur. Edge computing devices perform initial processing of images as they are captured, preparing data structures and identifying features in advance, so that final model generation can proceed rapidly once images are transmitted.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive image sets are captured to ensure complete coverage of the target environment, then measurement precision is improved, but the quantity of data increases leading to longer processing times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information from comprehensive image sets by using edge computing devices to identify and extract key features, landmarks, and geometric relationships during the imaging mission. Instead of transmitting and processing all captured images centrally, the system extracts representative data elements that maintain environmental coverage accuracy while reducing data volume for final processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial processing of image data at edge devices during the mission, handling only the critical feature extraction and preliminary analysis needed for rapid model generation. This partial action at the edge allows the system to maintain complete environmental coverage while avoiding the excessive processing burden of analyzing every pixel of every captured image at centralized nodes.
3Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used in the photogrammetry process, then measurement precision can be maintained through expert judgment, but the ease of operation decreases and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated algorithms that perform feature detection, matching, and 3D reconstruction without human intervention. The edge computing devices and centralized processing nodes automatically execute photogrammetry workflows, selecting and processing images based on computational criteria rather than manual selection, thereby maintaining precision through consistent algorithmic application while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical processes with automated computational systems. Instead of operators manually selecting images, aligning features, and constructing models, the patent employs automated computer vision algorithms and machine learning models that perform these functions electronically, substituting human expert judgment with consistent, scalable automated decision-making that maintains accuracy while eliminating manual labor.
4Measurement precision
If all captured images are transmitted to the processing node, then measurement precision is maintained, but the loss of time due to transmission and the quantity of data to be processed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary image data and processed features from the complete captured image set before transmission. Edge computing devices identify and extract representative images and key feature data that maintain model accuracy requirements, transmitting only this essential subset to centralized processing nodes rather than all captured images, thereby reducing transmission time and data processing burden while preserving measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Measures, including a method, system, and computer program, for performing in-mission photogrammetry while an imaging platform is surveying a target environment. A plurality of images of the target environment are captured by the imaging platform. At the imaging platform, a representative subset of images is identified from the captured plurality of images. The imaging platform transmits the identified representative subset to a processing node. At the processing node, the transmitted representative subset is processed to generate a virtual model of the target environment.