System Description
The aim of this project is building an aerial image photography system. The system must provide rectified imagery for mapping, architecture or survey applications. The system is based on three components:
- Kite
- Image acquisition system, suspension and platform
- Image processing algorithms.
The kite is designed to provide maximum lifting power while keeping the flight as vertical as possible. The image acquisition system provides a gyro-stabilized platform to compensate wind gusts. Image processing algorithms generate a mosaic of images and provide a much wider field of view.
In the following section we will try to describe each system in detail.
Kite Design
We have chosen a Delta conyne kite because it can be built easily in big sizes, it's very stable and makes a very vertical flight. The kite is being built in ripstop nylon fabric which is a very lightweight and resistant material. The frame is built using carbon fiber rods.
Image acquisition system, suspension and platform
Gyrostabilized platform
Camera Platform
Picavet suspension
Algorithms
Image mosaics are generated using least squares on a pin-hole camera model. This model is described here
We use SURF features for common feature extraction between two frames, details of the algorithms can be found here
