3D Position Measurement Using Coded LED Markers and One Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position measuring systems face challenges in determining the three-dimensional position of markers in spaces with blind areas, often requiring cumbersome manual recording due to the inability to image markers with multiple cameras simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A position measuring device and method that uses an imager and processor to detect and acquire the three-dimensional position of a light-emitter image in a space by decoding time-sequential changes in light emission patterns from LEDs, allowing for accurate positioning even when only a single camera can image the markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to determine three-dimensional position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and blind areas cannot be eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by making light emitters flash in different time sequences. Each light emitter is assigned a unique flashing pattern, allowing a single camera to distinguish between multiple light sources and determine three-dimensional positions through time-sequential imaging. This temporal differentiation replaces the need for multiple simultaneous cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the time dimension to the imaging process. Instead of using multiple cameras capturing simultaneous spatial information, a single camera captures sequential information across different time points. The time-sequential images allow reconstruction of three-dimensional positions by incorporating temporal data into the spatial measurement.
2Device complexity
If a single camera is used to reduce device complexity, then blind areas create measurement gaps, but manual recording becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitters perform periodic flashing actions with unique patterns for each emitter. This allows the single camera to capture and distinguish multiple light sources sequentially, maintaining measurement precision without requiring multiple cameras. The periodic flashing creates identifiable temporal signatures for each light emitter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light emitters as intermediaries that carry identification information through their flashing patterns. These light emitters act as mediators between the objects being tracked and the single camera, enabling the camera to indirectly determine three-dimensional positions of multiple objects through the coded light signals.
3Device complexity
If manual recording is used to handle blind areas, then operation simplicity is maintained for single camera, but productivity decreases due to cumbersome operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by having light emitters automatically encode their identification information in their flashing patterns. The camera automatically captures and processes the time-sequential images to determine three-dimensional positions without requiring manual intervention. The objects being tracked essentially record their own positions through the light emitter signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recording operations with an automated optical and computational system. Instead of personnel manually recording positions, the system uses light emission, optical imaging, and computational processing to automatically determine and record three-dimensional positions, significantly improving productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and automated determination of three-dimensional positions of markers in spaces with blind areas, reducing manual effort and ensuring precise positioning of objects like forklifts in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitter image of a first light emitter that is capable of movement in a space and emits light corresponding to identification information of the first light emitter
Implementation Method 2
an imager and at least one processor configured to execute a program stored in a memory. The at least one processor detects, from an imaging range of a picture image acquired by the imager
Data Source
AI summary
A position measuring device comprising includes an imager, and at least one processor configured to execute a program stored in a memory. The at least one processor detects, from an imaging range of a picture image acquired by the imager, a light-emitter image of a first light emitter that is capable of movement in a space and emits light corresponding to identification information of the first light emitter in the space, and acquires a three-dimensional position of the first light emitter in the space based on a position of the detected light-emitter image of the first light emitter in the picture image.