Camera Positioning via Mobile Device Display Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual methods for determining the spatial position of cameras in surveillance and monitoring systems are laborious, prone to errors, and require complex hardware and post-processing, especially in large-scale systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a mobile device to display a pattern, such as a QR-code, representing geographical coordinates, which is captured by a camera, allowing for the determination of the camera's position based on the translated pattern, using existing hardware and avoiding synchronization issues between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual methods are used to determine camera positions, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the method is laborious, tedious, and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device automatically determines its own geographical coordinates using integrated GPS or other positioning circuitry, and the camera automatically captures and processes the displayed pattern. This self-service approach eliminates manual coordinate entry and reduces human error while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (writing coordinates on maps, physical measurement) with automated electronic systems (GPS positioning, digital pattern capture, automatic coordinate translation). This substitution improves accuracy while keeping the overall process accessible.
2Extent of automation
If satellite navigation circuitry is provided in each camera, then automatic position determination is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the camera itself and relocates it to a separate mobile device. The camera only needs to capture images, while the mobile device handles all positioning, pattern display, and coordinate determination. This separation maintains automation while dramatically reducing camera complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it displays the position pattern, provides geographical coordinates, and acts as a reference object for camera calibration. This multi-functionality consolidates capabilities that would otherwise require separate specialized equipment.
3Measurement precision
If a vehicle with navigation equipment and optical transmitters is used to determine camera positions, then geographic position data can be collected, but the system requires complex hardware and post-processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the mobile device's position data by displaying it as a pattern (QR code or similar) on the device's screen. The camera captures this visual copy, and the coordinates are extracted through pattern recognition rather than complex optical transmission and signal processing. This copying approach maintains precision while simplifying hardware requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The displayed position pattern serves as an intermediary between the mobile device's GPS system and the camera's image sensor. Instead of direct complex communication between navigation equipment and camera, the visual pattern mediates the information transfer, enabling accurate position determination through simple image capture and pattern recognition.
4Measurement precision
If multiple devices are paired and synchronized to determine camera positions, then accurate spatial data can be obtained, but synchronization problems and coordination complexity arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function, display function, and reference object into a single mobile device. This consolidation eliminates the need for synchronization between separate devices, as all position information is generated and displayed by one device that the camera simply captures. The mobile device's internal clock and positioning system operate independently without coordination requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining a position of a camera is disclosed. The method and system includes determining and registering geographical coordinates of a mobile device in the mobile device itself, presenting on a display of the mobile device a pattern representing the geographical coordinates of the mobile device, capturing by the camera an image of the display of the mobile device when presenting the geographical coordinates, translating in the camera the pattern in the captured image of the display of the mobile device into geographical coordinates, and determining in the camera the position of the camera based on the geographical coordinates translated from the pattern in the captured image.