Camera-Based Article Positioning Using Marker Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article position management methods, particularly those using beacons, face challenges such as high costs and large positioning errors when managing a large number of articles, and are difficult to implement in large areas like factories due to the need for human-operated terminals and blind spots in satellite GPS signals.
Innovation Solution
An article position management system that uses image data from cameras to identify article positions based on markers, switching between methods for mobile and fixed cameras, leveraging reference point markers and article markers to calculate absolute positions accurately and cost-effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beacon-based position measurement is used for article management, then position information can be obtained, but positioning error becomes large and cost increases when managing huge numbers of articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image data capturing articles and their positions, creating a visual copy representation of the physical article arrangement. This allows position management without requiring physical beacon receivers on each article, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while reducing costs for managing large quantities of articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic beacon transmission and reception system with an optical imaging system. By using cameras to capture images and process position information from these images, the system achieves accurate position measurement without the need for beacon infrastructure, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing the complexity of managing large numbers of articles.
2Ease of operation
If satellite positioning (GPS) is used for article position management, then position can be obtained easily with a signal receiver, but it does not work indoors where satellite signals are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces image data as an intermediary medium between the article and the position management system. Instead of relying on satellite signals that cannot penetrate buildings, the system uses cameras to capture images of articles and processes these images to determine positions, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability in indoor environments where GPS fails.
3Measurement precision
If beacon receivers are equipped for each article to be managed, then position measurement can be performed, but a large amount of cost is needed when managing huge numbers of articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera apparatus serve multiple functions: it captures both the articles and the reference markers in the same field of view, and this single imaging action provides position information for multiple articles simultaneously. This universal approach eliminates the need for individual beacon receivers on each article, thereby maintaining position measurement capability while significantly reducing the cost for managing large quantities of articles.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an article position management apparatus that a receiver receives image data from a camera apparatus and that identifies a position of an article, based on an article marker attached to an article and a reference point marker whose coordinate information in an absolute coordinate system in a field is set in advance, the article marker and the reference point marker being included in the image data, when the camera apparatus is a mobile camera apparatus, and identifies the position of the article, based on the article marker included in the image, when the camera apparatus is a fixed camera apparatus.