Camera Positioning via Virtual Model Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the relative position of an acoustic camera in complex environments, such as inside an automobile, are inaccurate, time-consuming, and require manual measurements of 3D coordinates and solid angles, making them inefficient and rarely used.
Innovation Solution
A method using a recording device for electromagnetic or acoustic waves, such as an optical camera, is fixed to a first object, and its position is simulated in virtual space to match recorded measurements with simulated data, allowing for automated and intuitive determination of the camera's position relative to the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods (ruler, tape measure, protractor) are used to determine camera position and orientation, then the process can be performed without specialized equipment, but the determination becomes extremely time-consuming and inaccurate requiring at least 6 measurements for basic positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the real camera and environment in a computer-based model. The virtual camera model is positioned and oriented in the 3D model of the environment, allowing automatic determination of spatial relationships without manual measurements. The system compares images from the real camera with rendered images from the virtual camera model to automatically calculate position and orientation parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools (ruler, tape measure, protractor) with an automated computer vision system. The system uses image processing, 3D modeling, and computational algorithms to automatically determine camera position and orientation, eliminating the need for physical measurement instruments and manual calculation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the acoustic camera is positioned in tight or complex spaces (such as automobile interior), then the measurement can be performed in situ, but the coordinate system alignment becomes complicated and accuracy is compromised due to skewed and curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D image space to 3D virtual space by creating a three-dimensional model of the environment. The virtual camera model is positioned within this 3D model, allowing the system to account for the complex geometry of tight spaces like automobile interiors. The 3D modeling approach naturally handles skewed and curved surfaces by representing them with appropriate geometric primitives and transformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement problem by changing the parameter space from direct physical measurements to virtual coordinate transformations. The system uses homogeneous coordinates, transformation matrices, and parameter optimization to automatically align the virtual camera model with the real camera's viewpoint, handling complex spatial relationships through mathematical parameter adjustments rather than direct measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different coordinate systems are used by the acoustic camera and the model, then each system can maintain its own reference frame, but additional coordinate transformations are required which complicate the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal coordinate transformation framework that can handle multiple coordinate systems (camera coordinates, world coordinates, model coordinates) through a unified mathematical approach. The system uses homogeneous coordinates and transformation matrices that can convert between any coordinate systems, making the solution universally applicable regardless of the specific coordinate frames used by different components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system determines a relative position of a first object in relation to a second object. A computer program and computer-readable storage medium is usable to determine a spatial position and orientation of measurement devices in environments of arbitrary complexity. A relative position of the objects and real coordinates of the location and orientation of the objects is determinable from computer simulation and virtual coordinates of a location and orientation of the first and second objects.