Camera Alignment Check Using Color-Coded Image Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for checking camera alignment in industrial environments require position markers and are cumbersome, especially when the device is replaced or repositioned.

Innovation Solution

A method for checking camera alignment using a stored reference image and a current image, both displayed in monochrome with complementary colors, allowing for image mixing to visually assist in determining alignment without markers, facilitating repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If position markers are used to check camera alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for additional markers and cumbersome procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidease of alignment check
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color-coded overlays that are superimposed on the captured image to represent the reference alignment position. Instead of physical position markers, the system creates a visual copy of the correct alignment state through colored transparency layers, allowing operators to compare current alignment with reference alignment directly on the display device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs different colors (first color for reference image, second color for current image) to differentiate between reference alignment and current alignment states. The color mixing effect when overlays coincide provides immediate visual feedback about alignment accuracy, eliminating the need for complex marker-based measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Measurement precision

If position markers are used for camera repositioning, then alignment precision is improved, but time consumption increases due to the need to reattach or reference markers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepositioning precisionVSAvoidtime for repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores reference alignment information as digital overlay data that can be instantly retrieved and displayed. When repositioning the camera, the operator simply captures a new image and superimposes the stored colored reference overlay, eliminating the time-consuming process of physically reattaching or referencing position markers while maintaining precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The reference alignment overlay is prepared and stored in advance during the initial correct positioning of the camera. This preliminary action creates a reusable visual guide that can be instantly applied during any repositioning event, saving time by eliminating the need to重新 establish alignment references.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If color-coded overlays are used for alignment checking, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to the need for accurate color mixing and overlay alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of alignment checkVSAvoidoverlay alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical mechanical alignment systems (position markers, manual measurement tools) with a digital image processing system. The colored overlays are generated and positioned computationally based on the captured image coordinates, eliminating the need for high-precision mechanical manufacturing of physical alignment aids while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11176708B2Camera and method for checking an alignment of such a camera
Publication Date: 2021.11.16 IFM ELECTRONIC GMBH
  • US11176708B2 patent drawing
  • US11176708B2 patent drawing
  • US11176708B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for checking an alignment of a 2D or 3D camera, wherein a reference image is detected and stored in a first preferred alignment of the camera, wherein a current image is detected to check the alignment of the camera, wherein the reference image is provided monochrome with a first color and the current image is provided monochrome with a second color that differs from the first color, and wherein the current image and the reference image are displayed as an image mixing.