Synthetic Perspective Image Generation for Sensor Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generating a synthetic perspective image that matches the viewing perspective and geometric characteristics of a sensor image is challenging without specialized hardware, particularly in applications like military aircraft and robot guidance, due to differences in perspective and geometric distortions between sensor and reference images.
Innovation Solution
A method to produce a synthetic perspective image using a forward-mapping process that aligns reference image pixels with corresponding elevation data from a digital elevation model, allowing for geometric matching and correction of sensor-specific distortions, such as lens or SAR distortions, without requiring specialized computing hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference image is registered with a sensor image to achieve geographic alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for specialized hardware and complex transformation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthetic sensor image by copying and transforming reference image data to simulate what the sensor would see from its specific viewpoint. Instead of using specialized hardware to capture and align images, the system generates a synthetic copy of the sensor view from available reference imagery and DEM data, eliminating the need for complex specialized hardware while maintaining alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of specialized sensor hardware and complex alignment equipment with a computational approach. By using image processing algorithms to transform reference images into synthetic sensor views, the system substitutes physical hardware complexity with software-based geometric transformations
2Manufacturing precision
If the reference image is transformed into a synthetic perspective image to match sensor viewpoint, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to the computational processing required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-assembling the reference image and DEM data structures with embedded geometric information before the actual synthetic image generation is needed. By organizing the source data with its spatial and elevation information already structured, the system reduces the computational burden during the actual transformation process, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining geometric accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image transformation process into distinct computational stages: geometric transformation, radiometric transformation, and composition. By dividing the complex transformation into separate manageable steps, the system can optimize each stage independently and process them efficiently, reducing overall processing time while preserving manufacturing precision
3Measurement precision
If elevation data is associated with each reference image pixel to enable three-dimensional mapping, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for complex data structures and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference image data and DEM elevation data into a unified data structure where each pixel location contains both radiometric and geometric information. By combining these previously separate data sources into an integrated format, the system eliminates the need for complex external lookups and cross-referencing, reducing data structure complexity while maintaining three-dimensional location accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a synthetic perspective image that matches the viewing perspective and internal geometry of a known image sensor, for example, a forward-looking infrared sensor or a synthetic aperture radar sensor, without using specialized hardware and without the computational difficulty inherent in standard image generating means is provided. The synthetic perspective image is generated in a forward mapping process, which solves the problems of complete mapping of the perspective image and of hidden surfaces, in a manner that provides sufficient speed and adequate quality or accuracy for standard reference images to be used in registering with the sensor images.