Automatic Shoe Lacing via Multi-Angle Camera Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic shoe lacing methods using contact three-dimensional scanners face errors due to shoe deformation in soft materials, requiring repeated scanning and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a camera system to capture images of shoelace holes from different positions, with a computer device analyzing these images to acquire precise coordinates for a robotic arm to lace the shoe without physical contact, enhancing precision and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a contact three-dimensional scanner is used to acquire coordinates of shoelace holes, then automation of the lacing process is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to shoe deformation during contact scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact scanning system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using a contact three-dimensional scanner that physically touches the shoe, the invention uses a camera to capture images of the shoe from multiple angles. The coordinates of the shoelace holes are then calculated based on these images, eliminating the deformation problem caused by mechanical contact while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the shoe from multiple angles instead of directly measuring the physical shoe. By capturing images and calculating coordinates from these copies, the system avoids direct contact with the original shoe, thereby preventing deformation while still acquiring accurate spatial information for automation.
2Measurement precision
If repeated scanning is performed to correct coordinate errors from shoe deformation, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to additional time required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing multiple images of the shoe from different angles before the lacing process begins. By obtaining all necessary coordinate information in advance through non-contact imaging, the system eliminates the need for repeated scanning during the lacing process, thereby maintaining both precision and productivity.
3Measurement precision
If a camera system capturing images from multiple positions is used, then measurement precision is improved by avoiding shoe deformation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image capture process by using multiple cameras positioned at different angles around the shoe. Each camera captures images from its specific position, and the coordinate calculation system processes these segmented views to determine the three-dimensional coordinates of the shoelace holes. This segmentation approach achieves high precision while keeping each individual camera component relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatic shoe lacing is proposed to include steps of: (a) capturing, by a camera system, at least two images of shoelace holes of a shoe from different positions relative to the shoe; (b) acquiring, by a computer device through conducting an analysis according to the at least two images of the shoe, coordinates of the shoelace holes relative to a robotic arm; and (c) the robotic arm lacing the shoe according to the coordinates acquired in step (b).