Multi-Camera Area Mapping with High-Resolution Auxiliary Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing area mapping methods, such as aerial photogrammetry, face challenges in achieving high-resolution, georeferenced images due to limitations in image ground resolution and data processing efficiency, particularly when using drones or multi-camera systems designed for small-structured images.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a main camera and multiple auxiliary cameras/sensors, where the auxiliary cameras have a smaller footprint and higher resolution than the main camera, aligned to overlap partially, coupled with a GNSS receiver and trigger mechanism, enabling faster generation of high-resolution, georeferenced images by synchronizing image capture and determining precise position and rotation data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If aerial photogrammetry is carried out from high altitude to cover large areas, then the area coverage is improved, but the image ground resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into a main camera for large-area coverage and multiple auxiliary cameras for high-resolution detailed imaging. The auxiliary cameras are positioned to capture specific regions within the main camera's field of view, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both broad coverage and high-resolution data without requiring separate flight passes.
2Measurement precision
If images are taken at high resolution from low altitude to improve image ground resolution, then the image ground resolution is improved, but the image size decreases and the number of images required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple auxiliary cameras are merged into a single imaging system that operates simultaneously with the main camera. By combining the imaging capabilities of one main camera and multiple auxiliary cameras on a single platform, the system captures both large-area and high-resolution images in the same flight pass, eliminating the need for multiple separate flights and reducing total data volume.
3Productivity
If multiple auxiliary cameras are added to capture high-resolution images to improve area performance, then the imaging coverage and resolution are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary cameras serve multiple functions: they capture high-resolution images for detailed area mapping, provide overlapping coverage for image stitching, and contribute to both orthomosaic generation and 3D modeling. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single system configuration.
4Measurement precision
If bundle block adjustment and pixel identification are used for inner and outer orientation to improve georeferencing accuracy, then the georeferencing precision is improved, but the computational effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing overlapping images from multiple cameras at known geometric relationships before processing. The defined camera footprints and ground image resolutions are established during image capture, providing pre-processed geometric data that simplifies subsequent orientation calculations and reduces computational requirements for bundle block adjustment.
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 higher area performance and reduced data processing time, achieving higher resolution georeferenced images without the need for extensive computational effort, suitable for applications like weed monitoring and agricultural mapping.
Implementation Method 1
the apparatus for area mapping has at least one GNSS (global navigation satellite system) receiver
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) and a method for area mapping, wherein the apparatus (1) for area mapping includes a framework having a main camera (2) and/or a main sensor attached to the framework, and at least two auxiliary cameras (3) and/or auxiliary sensors attached to the framework, wherein the main camera (2) and/or the main sensor as well as the at least two auxiliary cameras (3) and/or the at least two auxiliary sensors have a defined camera footprint (8, 9) on the ground and a defined ground image resolution, wherein the camera footprint (8) of the auxiliary cameras (3) and/or auxiliary sensors on the ground is smaller than the camera footprint (9) of the main camera (2) and/or of the main sensor on the ground and lies at least partially within same, and the ground image resolution of the auxiliary cameras (3) and/or auxiliary sensors is greater than the ground image resolution of the main camera (2) and/or of the main sensor, and the auxiliary cameras (3) and/or auxiliary sensors are aligned such that images generated by the auxiliary cameras (3) and/or auxiliary sensors at least partially overlap, and the area mapping apparatus (1) has at least one GNSS receiver and a trigger mechanism, wherein the GNSS receiver, the main camera (2) and/or the main sensor and the at least two auxiliary cameras (3) and/or auxiliary sensors are coupled to the trigger mechanism, as a result of which quick creation of high-resolution, georeferenced orthomosaic images of areas and high area coverage is made possible.