UAV Survey Data Processing Visual Route-Image Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing techniques for obtaining a three-dimensional model of an object's topography using UAVs face challenges in synchronizing location data with still images, leading to a cumbersome process for operators due to the high precision and cost requirements of devices, necessitating manual visual confirmation which is labor-intensive and error-prone.

Innovation Solution

A survey data processing device and method that uses a UI to visually indicate the relationship between flight routes and still images, allowing operators to easily confirm synchronization by displaying moving directions and embedding marks for photographing locations, thereby simplifying the correlation of image data with flight routes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-precision devices are used to synchronize location data with still images, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the flight route on the display device, showing the relationship between still images and flight path without requiring expensive synchronization hardware. The system generates a graphical representation that replicates the spatial relationship, allowing operators to verify synchronization visually rather than through precise device coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If manual visual confirmation of synchronization is performed for hundreds of still images, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but operator burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidoperator burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the verification process into manageable segments by displaying still images in groups or sequences along the flight route, rather than requiring operators to check each image individually. The system segments the large number of images into visual clusters that can be assessed more efficiently, reducing the cognitive and operational burden on operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to the verification process by displaying the flight route graphically alongside or integrated with the still images. Instead of checking images in isolation, operators can view images in the context of their spatial relationship to the flight path, enabling more efficient batch verification across hundreds of images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If detailed synchronization verification is performed, then data reliability is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary organization and spatial arrangement of still images along the flight route before the operator begins verification. The system pre-processes the data by establishing the spatial context and grouping images logically, so that operators can perform reliability verification more quickly without having to manually organize hundreds of images first.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3051254B1Survey data processing device, survey data processing method, and program therefor
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP3051254B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3051254B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3051254B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An operation burden in confirming a corresponding relationship between multiple still images and a traveled route is reduced. A survey data processing device includes a storing unit 106 and a UI controlling unit 105. The storing unit 105 stores survey data, in which image data of multiple still images that are photographed from a mobile body while flying is correlated with a flight route of the mobile body. The UI controlling unit 105 displays the flight route and at least one of the multiple still images on a screen. The displayed flight route and the displayed still image are displayed on the same screen at the same time in a condition in which a corresponding relationship between the flight route and the multiple still images is determined, and a moving direction of the mobile body that photographed the displayed still image is indicated in the displayed still image.