Camera Calibration Using Positioning Markers for Dart Scoring Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional method for calibrating cameras in electronic dart machines is challenging due to fabrication tolerance and shape distortion, leading to positional errors that affect scoring accuracy in dart games.
Innovation Solution
A calibration method that converts 3D relationships into 2D problems by using known actual space coordinates and image coordinates to determine the precise positions of cameras, involving steps like acquiring target images, aligning them with a reference standard, defining a region of interest, and using positioning markers with known coordinates to calculate camera positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual adjustment method is used to calibrate cameras, then the calibration process is simple to operate, but the positioning precision is poor due to fabrication tolerance and shape distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical manual adjustment method with a computerized automatic calibration system. The system uses image processing algorithms to automatically calculate camera positions and orientations based on captured images of the target board with positioning markers, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment and thereby achieving high positioning precision while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a virtual model (computer-generated image) of the target board with positioning markers as a copy of the physical target board. By comparing the captured image with the virtual model, the system can automatically determine camera calibration parameters without requiring physical measurement tools or complex mechanical adjustment procedures, thus improving precision while keeping the process manageable.
2Reliability
If cameras are aligned parallel to the dartboard manually, then the installation process is simple, but the scoring accuracy deteriorates due to positional errors from vibration and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automatic computerized calibration system. The system captures images of the target board with positioning markers and uses image processing algorithms to automatically calculate the precise positions and orientations of cameras, ensuring high scoring accuracy while simplifying the installation process through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system captures images of the target board with positioning markers, compares the captured images with expected patterns, and automatically adjusts camera calibration parameters based on the detected deviations. This closed-loop feedback ensures high scoring accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through automatic correction.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are disposed in the periphery to cover the entire dartboard, then the coverage area is sufficient, but the calibration difficulty increases due to the need for precise alignment of multiple cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment of multiple cameras with an automatic computerized calibration system. The system captures images from all cameras simultaneously and uses image processing algorithms to automatically calculate the positions and orientations of each camera, ensuring precise alignment across the entire dartboard coverage area while simplifying the calibration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a universal calibration target board with positioning markers that serves all cameras simultaneously. This single target board can be used for calibrating multiple cameras at once, providing a unified reference framework that simplifies the calibration of the entire camera system while maintaining comprehensive coverage of the dartboard.
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration method for a camera which monitors a target board is disclosed, comprising steps: using the camera to capture a target image corresponding to the target board; using rotation and translation to align the target image to a reference standard and acquire the corresponding relationship of the target image and the target board; defining a region of interest above the target image; using at least one positioning marker in at least two positions of the target board, whose actual space coordinates are known, and using the camera to acquire at least two image coordinates of the positioning markers in the region of interest; and using the known actual space coordinates and the acquired image coordinates to work out the exact position of the camera. Thereby, the positions of the cameras can be used to correctly determine the positions of darts.