Light Source Location via Image-Map Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for locating high-intensity light sources, such as laser pointers, from a remote observation location, particularly in aviation contexts, face challenges due to the need for accurate GPS positioning and tilt measurements, which can be costly, bulky, and difficult to calibrate.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an image recording device and a processing unit to acquire images of light sources from an observation location above the earth's surface, compare these images with a digital ground map, and estimate the location of a target light source relative to reference light sources, without relying on direct position and attitude measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accurate GPS positioning and tilt measurements are used to locate light sources, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the ground map with reference light sources positioned at known locations. By comparing the captured image against this digital replica, the system determines the attacker's location through image registration and matching algorithms, eliminating the need for complex GPS and tilt sensors while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensing system (GPS receivers, tilt measurement devices, inertial motion units) with an optical-computational system. Instead of using physical sensors to measure position and orientation, the system uses image capture, digital map matching, and computational geometry to derive location information
2Measurement precision
If accurate sensors for measuring camera orientation are integrated into the system, then measurement precision is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a digital copy of the ground map with pre-positioned reference light sources. By registering the captured image with this digital map, the system infers camera orientation and position without requiring physical orientation sensors, thereby reducing weight while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the orientation measurement function from the physical sensor domain and relocates it to the computational domain. Instead of measuring orientation directly with sensors, the system calculates effective orientation through image-to-map registration, removing the need for heavy inertial measurement units
3Measurement precision
If external interfaces to airplane sensors are established, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a digital copy of the ground map with reference light sources at known positions. This approach eliminates the need for interfaces to airplane sensors and their associated calibration requirements, as location is determined through image matching alone
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration through the image registration process. By automatically matching captured images with the digital ground map and adjusting transformation parameters, the system determines its own position and orientation without requiring external calibration procedures or sensor interfaces
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for accurate geo-referenced positioning of abnormal light sources, reducing the need for bulky sensors and complex calibrations, and effectively identifying high-intensity light sources such as lasers, even in densely populated areas.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring, with an image recording device located at an observation location above the surface portion, one or more images of the light and light emitted by a portion of the reference light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for locating a high-intensity target light source (26) from an elevated observation location (Po), for instance in an aircraft. The target light source is located at/near an earth surface portion (30) and amongst reference light sources (16, 24, 25) arranged along the surface portion. This target light source emits light (28) with a peak radiant intensity that exceeds the intensity of the reference light sources by at least one order of magnitude. The method includes:acquiring, with an image recording device located at the observation location, images of the light and light emitted the reference light sources;comparing the images and a digital ground map (50) that includes representations of the surface portion and of structures (20, 22) associated with the reference light sources, andestimating a location (Pt) of the target light source relative to the reference light sources, based on the comparison.