Stellar-landscape navigation using celestial and terrain features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current landmark-based image navigation systems face challenges when comparing three-dimensional terrain images to two-dimensional maps, resulting in inaccurate position and orientation determination, especially from low-altitude imaging locations with three-dimensional perspectives.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates both celestial and terrain features in terrain images, using a mapping processor to access and compare these features with a map database, including terrain elevation models, to determine absolute location coordinates, and employs celestial features for orientation and distance estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If terrain images with three-dimensional information are compared against two-dimensional overhead maps, then the imaging location can be determined, but the matching result is dismal and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces celestial image features (stars, planets, moons) as a fourth dimension of reference beyond traditional 2D terrain maps. By incorporating these celestial bodies visible in the background portion of images, the system creates a multi-dimensional reference framework that can accommodate both 2D map data and 3D image perspectives, resolving the dimensionality mismatch problem
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple types of features (terrain features, horizon features, and celestial image features) into a composite reference system. This composite approach integrates 2D map data with 3D visual information and celestial reference points, creating a unified navigation solution that leverages the strengths of each feature type to achieve accurate positioning and orientation
2Measurement precision
If celestial image features and terrain features are integrated in the navigation system, then navigation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image sensor multi-functional by using it for both terrain feature detection and celestial feature detection. The same imaging device that captures terrain information also captures celestial bodies in the background, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high navigation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the processing of terrain features and celestial features into a unified navigation algorithm. By combining these feature types in the image processing pipeline and integrating them with map database information, the system achieves improved accuracy without proportionally increasing complexity, as the features are processed together rather than as separate subsystems
Data Source
AI summary
An image-based navigation system is arranged to obtain a terrain image of a target terrain from one or more image sensors at a low altitude imaging location. The terrain image includes at least one celestial image feature and at least one terrain feature. Map database information stored in at least one hardware memory device is accessed and compared to the at least one celestial image feature and the at least one terrain feature in the terrain image to determine absolute location coordinates of the imaging location.