AR Alignment for Reflective Particle Tags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Reflective Particle Tag (RPT) systems require physical contact for alignment, which limits their use in non-contact, stand-off applications and is not suitable for generic solutions, especially in environments requiring precise positioning across six degrees of freedom.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality software application is used to create a three-dimensional digital model of reticles, processing features to generate an AR application that projects virtual alignment reticles onto a camera platform, allowing for accurate non-contact alignment of RPTs by ensuring the reticles are parallel to the fiducial, enabling precise positioning without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical alignment methods are used for RPT positioning, then alignment accuracy is achieved, but contact requirement limits applicability in non-contact and stand-off scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based alignment systems with an optical field-based augmented reality system. Virtual reticles are projected onto the physical tag through optical imaging, eliminating the need for mechanical contact while maintaining alignment precision. The system uses camera-based vision to detect tag features and overlays virtual alignment indicators, substituting physical docking mechanisms with optical information transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of alignment reticles that are projected onto the physical tag through augmented reality. These virtual reticles replicate the function of physical alignment markers without requiring physical contact. The system captures images of the physical tag, processes them to identify features, and overlays virtual reticle patterns that guide alignment without mechanical interaction.
2Measurement precision
If customized mechanical jigs are used for alignment, then positioning accuracy is achieved, but device complexity and lack of generic applicability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal augmented reality alignment system that can be applied to various Reflective Particle Tag configurations without requiring customized mechanical jigs for each scenario. The system uses general-purpose camera-based vision and software processing to accommodate different tag types and positioning requirements, replacing specialized hardware with a multi-functional software solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical jigs with an optical and software-based system. Instead of custom mechanical structures for each alignment scenario, the system uses camera imaging, feature recognition algorithms, and virtual reticle projection to achieve positioning accuracy. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical customization while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If laser alignment methods are used, then positioning is achieved, but physical contact requirement remains and limits stand-off capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces laser-based contact alignment with an augmented reality system that uses optical imaging and virtual overlays. Instead of requiring the imaging device to be in direct contact with or very close to the tag for laser alignment, the system captures images from a distance, processes them to identify tag features, and projects virtual reticles that guide alignment from a stand-off position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual representations of alignment indicators that can be displayed on a screen or projected, allowing the operator to align the tag from a distance without physical contact. The virtual reticles provide the same alignment guidance as contact-based methods but enable stand-off operation by projecting alignment information optically rather than requiring physical proximity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for visual alignment of Reflective Particle Tags (RPT) includes creating a three-dimensional digital model of a reticle; processing a plurality of features based on the digital model; generating an Augmented Reality application; and deploying the Augmented Reality application on a camera platform. The augmented reality alignment system includes processors and memory devices having instructions that, when executed by the processors, cause the processors to perform operations of creating a three-dimensional digital model of a reticle; processing a plurality of features based on the digital model; generating an Augmented Reality application; and deploying the Augmented Reality application on a camera platform. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, cause the processors to create a model of a reticle; process features based on the model; generate an Augmented Reality application; and deploy the application on a camera.