Single Camera Distance Measurement Using Rotator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D scanning technologies require two cameras, making them costly and bulky, especially for measuring longer distances, which complicates their use and portability.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring system using a single camera with a rotator that captures target images during rotation, detects their projection on a reference plane, and calculates distance based on the projection distance and rotation angle, allowing for cost-effective and compact distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two cameras are used for distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distance measurement function into two parts: a single camera captures the image, and a separate rotator mechanism provides the angular measurement capability. This divides the traditional two-camera system into functional components that can be implemented with fewer sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the combination of image position and rotation angle data.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera system is enhanced with multi-functionality by combining it with a rotator mechanism. The camera serves both as the imaging device and, when combined with rotation angle measurements, as an angular sensor. This universal approach allows one camera to perform the work that traditionally required two cameras, reducing device complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If an extended baseline is used for longer distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but volume of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a spatial baseline approach (extending the distance between cameras) to an angular approach (measuring rotation angles). Instead of increasing the physical baseline dimension, the system uses the rotational dimension to achieve the same measurement objective, allowing accurate long-distance measurement without increasing system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from physical baseline distance to rotation angle. By measuring the angle through which the camera rotates to track the target, the system achieves distance measurement capability that traditionally required extended baselines, thereby maintaining a compact system volume while preserving measurement precision for long distances.
3Device complexity
If a single camera with rotator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation may worsen due to rotation control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rotator mechanism is equipped with self-service capabilities through automated control systems that manage the rotation based on target detection. The system automatically adjusts the camera angle to track the target without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation. The rotation controller and detector work together to autonomously manage the complex rotation control requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the detector continuously monitors the target position and provides feedback to the rotation controller. This closed-loop system automatically adjusts the camera rotation to maintain optimal tracking, eliminating the need for manual operation while keeping the system simple to use. The feedback mechanism handles the complexity of rotation control internally, preserving ease of operation for the user.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
A distance measuring device (9) coupled to a camera (30) and a rotator (40) for driving the camera (30) to rotate. The camera (30) includes a photo sensor (31) and a lens (32). The distance measuring device (9) includes a distance obtaining module (200), an angle obtaining module (210), and a computing module (220) coupled to the distance obtaining module (200) and the angle obtaining module (210). The distance obtaining module (200) is configured to obtain an unaligned target image of a target captured by the camera (30). A projection of the unaligned target image on a reference plane does not overlap with a projection of a center point (O) of the photo sensor (31) on the reference plane. The reference plane is perpendicular to a rotation axis of the camera (30). The distance obtaining module (200) is further configured to calculate a projection distance between the projection of the unaligned target image and the projection of the center point (O). The angle obtaining module (210) is configured to obtain a rotation angle between an unaligned position at which the camera (30) captures the unaligned target image and an aligned position at which the camera (30) captures an aligned target image of the target. A projection of the aligned target image on the reference plane overlapping with the projection of the center point (O) of the photo sensor (31). The computing module (220) is configured to calculate a target distance between the target and the camera (30) based on the projection distance and the rotation angle.