Multi-Camera Aerial Imaging for Gap-Free Variable-Focus Mosaics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-camera aerial imaging systems face challenges in maintaining contiguous or partially overlapping geographic coverage areas when changing focal lengths, leading to gaps in image coverage and the need for additional flight passes to fill these gaps.
Innovation Solution
Adjust the orientations of the fields of view of multiple image-capturing devices in conjunction with changes to focal lengths to ensure contiguous or partially overlapping geographic coverage, using computer processors to determine and signal adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the focal length of cameras is changed to change resolution, then image resolution is improved, but coverage gaps are created between geographic sub-areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the camera system adaptable through real-time adjustment of both focal length and field of view orientation. The system dynamically changes focal length to achieve desired resolution while simultaneously adjusting the orientation of the field of view to maintain contiguous geographic coverage, preventing coverage gaps from forming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously - both focal length and field of view orientation - to resolve the contradiction. By coordinating changes in focal length with corresponding changes in field of view orientation, the system maintains both image resolution and coverage continuity.
2Reliability
If multiple flight passes are made to fill coverage gaps, then coverage continuity is improved, but flight time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations to determine the appropriate field of view orientations before capturing images. By pre-determining the correct orientations based on the desired focal length and target geographic area, the system ensures contiguous coverage is achieved in a single flight pass without requiring additional corrective flights.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from geographic location data and camera configuration to automatically adjust field of view orientations. This feedback mechanism ensures that coverage gaps are prevented from forming in the first place, eliminating the need for additional flight passes to fill gaps.
3Reliability
If field of view orientations are adjusted to maintain coverage continuity, then coverage gaps are eliminated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating and applying the correct field of view orientations based on the focal length settings and geographic location. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual intervention and complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified system that handles focal length adjustment, field of view orientation calculation, and geographic coordinate transformation simultaneously. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed including an imaging system comprising an image-capturing system having two or more image-capturing devices and positioned on a platform over a predefined target area at a first altitude above the Earth, the image-capturing devices configured to capture a set of images depicting contiguous, substantially contiguous, or partially overlapping geographic coverage sub-areas within the predefined target area, the image-capturing devices having variable focal lengths and variable fields of view; and a computer system selectively adjusting the orientation of the field of view of at least one of the image-capturing devices based at least in part on a change in the focal length of the image-capturing device(s).