Autonomous Camera Repositioning for Complete Production Image Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous image acquisition systems for manufacturing facilities face challenges in capturing complete visual data due to limited camera views and the need for manual calibration and localization, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.

Innovation Solution

The system determines multiple two-dimensional image perspectives for various image capture devices, compares these perspectives with a generated two-dimensional representation of a target object based on a three-dimensional model, and automatically moves the devices to enhance the captured area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration and localization activities are performed to relate images from different cameras, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage alignment accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining camera positions and orientations through image processing and feature matching, eliminating the need for manual calibration activities. The computers autonomously relate images from different cameras by identifying common features and calculating spatial relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration processes with automated computational methods. Instead of physical adjustment and manual positioning of cameras, the system uses image processing algorithms and computer vision techniques to automatically determine camera parameters and spatial relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If extensive calibration activities are performed to relate images from different cameras, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage alignment accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary image processing and feature extraction to prepare data for automatic alignment. By pre-identifying common features across multiple images and pre-calculating potential camera positions, the system reduces the time required for final calibration and localization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual calibration activities with automated computational processes that rapidly process images and determine camera parameters, significantly reducing calibration time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple static and dynamic objects are monitored in modern manufacturing facilities, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a universal platform of computers and image processing algorithms that can monitor both static and dynamic objects simultaneously. The same hardware and software infrastructure handles diverse monitoring tasks, from tracking moving products to monitoring fixed equipment, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adapts to monitor different types of objects without requiring manual reconfiguration. The computers autonomously adjust parameters and algorithms based on the detected object type, enabling flexible monitoring of both static and dynamic elements in the manufacturing facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If manual identification of camera placement and views is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera positioning accuracyVSAvoidcamera setup ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies optimal camera placements and views by analyzing the manufacturing environment and determining the best positions for comprehensive coverage. This eliminates the need for manual camera positioning while achieving precise and optimized camera placement automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual camera positioning and view identification with automated computational methods that calculate optimal camera placements based on the target object geometry and monitoring requirements, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12347109B2Autonomous image acquisition systems for production and environment monitoring and event detection

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for autonomous image acquisition. This includes determining a plurality of two-dimensional image perspectives for a plurality of image capture devices, and comparing the plurality of two-dimensional image perspectives with a generated two-dimensional representation of a target object, where the two-dimensional representation is generated based on a three-dimensional model of the target object. This further includes automatically moving at least one of the plurality of image capture devices, based on the comparing, to increase a portion of the target object captured by the plurality of image capture devices.