Conveying Direction Calibration Using Image-Based Reference Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for determining the conveying direction of objects struggle with manual conversion between image and global reference systems, leading to cumbersome and error-prone configurations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control device detects the orientation of a calibration element within the image acquisition device's detection range to define a global reference direction, simplifying the conversion process and reducing potential errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration is used to convert between image coordinates and world coordinates, then the conveying direction can be determined, but the process becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting the calibration element's orientation in the image and computing the transformation parameters between image coordinates and world coordinates without requiring manual intervention. The electronic control device autonomously completes the coordinate system alignment by processing the calibration element's detected position and orientation data.
Solution Approach 2:
A calibration element with known geometric properties and directional information is positioned in advance in the detection area before actual measurement begins. This preliminary calibration setup allows the system to pre-determine the transformation relationship between image coordinates and world coordinates, eliminating the need for manual configuration during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image acquisition device is mounted at different positions and orientations, then it can adapt to various installation scenarios, but the relationship between image coordinates and world coordinates becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the coordinate transformation parameters based on the detected orientation of the calibration element. By changing the transformation parameters (rotation angles, translation vectors) according to the actual installation position and orientation of the image acquisition device, the system maintains accurate conveying direction determination regardless of mounting variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration element serves as an intermediary object that bridges the image coordinate system and the world coordinate system. By detecting the calibration element's known geometry and orientation in the image, the system can indirectly determine the transformation relationship between the two coordinate systems, simplifying the handling of complex mounting variations.
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed using a calibration element, then reliable geometric information can be derived, but additional calibration steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is merged with the conveying direction determination process. The same image acquisition device and electronic control device used for determining conveying direction are also used for detecting the calibration element's orientation and computing coordinate transformations. This merging eliminates the need for separate calibration equipment and procedures, reducing commissioning time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration element serves multiple functions: it provides geometric reference information for coordinate transformation, indicates directional information for conveying direction determination, and enables automatic calibration without requiring additional specialized equipment. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and commissioning time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for determining the conveying direction of conveyed objects comprises an image acquisition device for capturing images of the conveyed objects and an electronic control unit that communicates with the image acquisition device and is configured to determine the direction of movement of the objects in the reference frame of the image acquisition device by means of image analysis. The electronic control unit is configured, in a calibration mode, to detect the orientation of a calibration element positioned within the detection range of the image acquisition device and, based on the detected direction symbol, to establish a global reference direction in the reference frame of the image acquisition device.