Automated Multi-Angle Product Imaging System with Self-Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing devices require manual setup and calibration to capture multi-angle product images, making them inefficient and difficult to use for applications like retail inventory and forensic evidence documentation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a computing device, a workstation with a turntable and camera supporting member, allowing for automatic image capture and analysis to center the product, rotate for multiple angles, and store images in a database, with optional barcode detection and laser range sensor for dimension calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual setup and calibration are used for image capturing devices, then the device can capture multi-angle product images, but the process becomes inefficient and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-calibration by detecting the product's position and dimensions through initial images, then autonomously adjusts camera positioning and turntable rotation to capture multi-angle images without manual intervention. The computing device automatically processes images to determine product center and dimensions, enabling the system to service itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures preliminary images of the product first, then uses image analysis to detect product center, dimensions, and orientation before proceeding to multi-angle capture. This preliminary action establishes the foundation for automated positioning and calibration, eliminating the need for manual setup.
2Extent of automation
If automated image capture is implemented, then user intervention is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device performs multiple functions including image capture coordination, image analysis, product parameter detection, positioning control, and database management. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single control system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the camera positioning mechanism with the turntable rotation mechanism under unified automated control. The computing device integrates control of multiple subsystems (camera, turntable, image processing) into a coordinated automated workflow, reducing the complexity of managing separate independent systems.
3Reliability
If product centering is not ensured, then capture process is simpler, but image recognition quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures initial images, analyzes them to detect product center position, then uses this feedback information to automatically adjust camera positioning and turntable orientation. This closed-loop feedback ensures the product is properly centered for subsequent multi-angle capture, guaranteeing image recognition quality without complex mechanical centering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical centering mechanisms, the system replaces mechanical adjustment with image-based detection and computational control. The computing device analyzes product position from images and automatically controls camera and turntable positioning, substituting mechanical complexity with software-based solutions.
4Manufacturing precision
If multi-angle capture is performed without product dimension detection, then the process is faster, but image quality and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image capture and dimension detection before the actual multi-angle image capture sequence. By detecting product dimensions in advance, the system can optimize camera positioning, focal length, and turntable rotation parameters for consistent high-quality images, while the dimension detection time is minimized through efficient image processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and automated capture of high-quality multi-angle product images, reducing user intervention and improving image recognition capabilities by ensuring proper centering and capturing images from various perspectives.
Implementation Method 1
the system may include a laser based range sensor mounted on the camera supporting member, where the laser based range sensor may detect the distance between the image capturing device and the product
Data Source
AI summary
A system for acquiring multi-angle images of a product includes a workstation having a working surface for placing a product, a camera supporting member having a vertical axis, and an image capturing device movably attached to the camera supporting member so that it may move along the vertical axis of the camera supporting member. The system captures and analyzes a digital image of a product to detect the vertical center of the product, and adjusts the position of the image capturing device along the vertical axis so that the vertical center of the product is proximate to the vertical center of the image. The system may also have a turntable and additionally rotate the turntable at multiple capturing angles and capture one or more additional digital images of the product at various capturing angles and store the one or more additional images in a product database.