Vehicle navigation methods, systems and computer program products
Vehicle navigation methods, systems and computer program products are provided that create a composite video image of a scene from video images of the scene generated by a plurality of video image sensors. The video image from each image sensor includes a respective array of pixels. The composite video image is created by selecting for a composite image pixel at a given position in an array of composite image pixels a pixel at the given position from one of the respective pixel arrays having the highest signal level or highest signal-to-noise ratio. The selecting is repeatedly performed for a plurality of given positions in the array of composite image pixels. The composite video image can be displayed via a display, such as a head-up display utilized in a vehicle.
1. A method for creating a video image, comprising:
receiving a video image from each of a plurality of video image sensors, wherein at least one of the plurality of video image sensors is mounted to a vehicle;
combining the plurality of video images according to an algorithm to produce an output video image; and
adjusting the algorithm based on at least one of:
a height of the vehicle above ground or water;
a depth of the vehicle below water;
a geographic location of the vehicle;
an absolute or relative quality or characteristic of at least one of the plurality of video sensors;
an absolute or relative quality or characteristic or at least one of the video images; and
a speed, heading, or attitude of the vehicle.
2. A method for creating a video image, comprising:
receiving a video image from each of a plurality of video image sensors, wherein at least one of the plurality of video image sensors is mounted to a vehicle;
combining the plurality of video images according to an algorithm to produce an output video image; and
adjusting the algorithm based on a state or condition of the vehicle via at least one of the following:
modifying a coefficient of the algorithm;
adding, subtracting, or modifying a term of the algorithm;
changing the algorithm;
performing a plurality of different algorithms and either:
selecting the output of one the plurality of algorithms; or
combining the outputs of at least two of the plurality of algorithms.
3. A method for creating a video image, comprising:
receiving a video image from each of a plurality of video image sensors, wherein at least one of the plurality of video image sensors is mounted to a vehicle;
pre-enhancing at least one of the plurality of video images comprising applying a super-resolution technique to the at least one of the plurality of video images to increase a resolution thereof; and
combining the plurality of video images to produce an output video image.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the algorithm is further adjusted responsive to user input and/or responsive to user preference.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein each pixel of the output video image is selected from a video image of the plurality of video images having a pixel with a best signal level or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to a corresponding pixel of other video images of the plurality of video images.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.
7. The method of claim 2 , wherein the algorithm is further adjusted responsive to user input and/or responsive to user preference.
8. The method of claim 2 , wherein each pixel of the output video image is selected from a video image of the plurality of video images having a pixel with a best signal level or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to a corresponding pixel of other video images of the plurality of video images.
9. The method of claim 2 , wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.