A method for detecting a displacement of a mobile platform is provided. The method includes acquiring a first frame and a second frame using an imaging device that is coupled to the mobile platform, and obtaining rotation data using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that is coupled to the mobile platform. The method also includes calculating a translation array based on the first frame, the second frame, and the rotation data. The method further includes determining the displacement of the mobile platform based on the translation array.

A method for producing a depth map from a detection region of the Earth's surface, a detection region being arranged in an underground pipeline, wherein the method includes recording at least one image sequence via at least one camera, determining the position and orientation of the camera corresponding to each individual recording, determining a spatial position and orientation of the underground pipeline arranged in the detection region, producing the depth map of the detection region via a plane sweep method based on the individual recordings and the associated camera positions, where the maximum depth region of the plane sweep method is subdivided into a total of N sections in an adaptive manner, i.e., in accordance with a predetermined minimum layer thickness for the ground covering the underground pipeline, via a predetermined number of planes spaced differently from one another and extending parallel with respect to one another.

A method for producing a depth map from a detection region of the Earth's surface, a detection region being arranged in an underground pipeline, wherein the method includes recording at least one image sequence via at least one camera, determining the position and orientation of the camera corresponding to each individual recording, determining a spatial position and orientation of the underground pipeline arranged in the detection region, producing the depth map of the detection region via a plane sweep method based on the individual recordings and the associated camera positions, where the maximum depth region of the plane sweep method is subdivided into a total of N sections in an adaptive manner, i.e., in accordance with a predetermined minimum layer thickness for the ground covering the underground pipeline, via a predetermined number of planes spaced differently from one another and extending parallel with respect to one another.

Embodiments of a method and system for sensing an obstacle, a computer device, and a computer-readable storage medium are provided. The method can include: capturing continuously, by first and second cameras adjacently arranged on a motor vehicle, obstacles around the motor vehicle, to obtain at least a first obstacle image and a second obstacle image respectively; associating the first obstacle image with the second obstacle image; determining whether the first obstacle image and the second obstacle image comprise the same obstacle. By means of some of the disclosed methods and systems, an obstacle can be real-time sensed by a motor vehicle in a large field of view, such as, a range of 360 around the vehicle.

Embodiments of a method and system for sensing an obstacle, a computer device, and a computer-readable storage medium are provided. The method can include: capturing continuously, by first and second cameras adjacently arranged on a motor vehicle, obstacles around the motor vehicle, to obtain at least a first obstacle image and a second obstacle image respectively; associating the first obstacle image with the second obstacle image; determining whether the first obstacle image and the second obstacle image comprise the same obstacle. By means of some of the disclosed methods and systems, an obstacle can be real-time sensed by a motor vehicle in a large field of view, such as, a range of 360 around the vehicle.

A technique is provided to enable reduction in cost relating to installation of orientation targets in aerial photogrammetry. A survey data processing device includes a positioning data receiving unit, a relative orientation unit, an absolute orientation unit, and an adjustment calculation executing unit. The positioning data receiving unit receives positioning data obtained by tracking and positioning a reflective prism of an aerial vehicle by a total station. The aerial vehicle also has a camera. The relative orientation unit calculates relative exterior orientation parameters of the camera by relative orientation using photographed images taken by the camera. The absolute orientation unit provides a true scale to the relative exterior orientation parameters by absolute orientation using the positioning data and the relative exterior orientation parameters. The adjustment calculation executing unit corrects the relative exterior orientation parameters having the true scale, by using a positional relationship between the camera and the reflective prism.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of transmission tower 10, phase conductors 12, insulators 14, and shield wires 16. They are to be inspected by unmanned aerial vehicle UAV 20 with embedded processor and memory 22, radio 24, location rover 26, and camera 28. Base station 30 has processor and memory 32, radio 34, and location base 36. The relative location between UAV 20 and base station 30 can be accurately calculated by location base 36 and location rover 26 communicating over radios 24 and 34. Camera 28 on UAV 20 is first used to capture two or more orientation images 38 and 39 of tower 10; lines 12 and 16; and insulators 14 from different vantage points. Terrestrial or close-range photogrammetry techniques are used create a three dimensional model of tower 10; lines 12 and 16; and insulators 14. Based on inspection resolution and safety objectives, a standoff distance 50 is determined. Then a flight path with segments for ascent 40, one or more loops 42, 44, 46, and a descent 48 is designed to ensure full inspection coverage via inspection images like 52 and 54.

A method and apparatus for photogrammetrically determining a six degree of freedom spatial relationship between a first object and a second object is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises photogrammetrically determining a first orientation of the first object relative to the second object, photogrammetrically determining a second orientation of the second object relative to the first object, and determining the six degree of freedom spatial relationship between the first object and the second object from the photogrammetrically determined first orientation of the first object relative to the second object and the photogrammetrically determined second orientation of the second object relative to the first object

A method and apparatus for photogrammetrically determining a six degree of freedom spatial relationship between a first object and a second object is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises photogrammetrically determining a first orientation of the first object relative to the second object, photogrammetrically determining a second orientation of the second object relative to the first object, and determining the six degree of freedom spatial relationship between the first object and the second object from the photogrammetrically determined first orientation of the first object relative to the second object and the photogrammetrically determined second orientation of the second object relative to the first object

A method for detecting a displacement of a mobile platform includes obtaining a first frame and a second frame using an imaging device associated with the mobile platform and determining the displacement of the mobile platform based upon the first frame and the second frame.