Coordinate Calculation Using Marker Vectors for Reliable Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coordinate calculating apparatuses have limited operational ranges and are prone to failure when markers are not correctly detected, leading to restricted user interaction and potential inability to operate the device, especially when markers are far apart or close to the edge of the captured image.

Innovation Solution

A coordinate calculating apparatus that uses image capturing means to detect marker positions, sets vectors based on relative positional relationships, and determines object position coordinates using tilt and acceleration data, allowing for operation even when only one marker is detected by estimating the other using previously stored data and vector calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two markers are used for coordinate calculation, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the device cannot operate when one marker is not detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordinate calculation precisionVSAvoidoperation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-stores the positional relationship (vector) between the two markers before operation begins. This preliminary data allows the system to reconstruct missing marker positions during operation, ensuring continuous reliability even when one marker is not detected in the captured image

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediate calculation method that uses the pre-stored vector relationship as a mediator to derive the position of a missing marker from the detected marker. This intermediary approach bridges the gap between partial detection and complete coordinate calculation, maintaining both precision and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the distance between two markers is large, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the operational range becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarker position detection precisionVSAvoiduser movement range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from two-dimensional image plane coordinates to three-dimensional spatial coordinates by incorporating depth information through the pre-stored vector relationship. This dimensional extension allows the system to calculate accurate marker positions even when markers are far apart or when the controller is positioned at various distances from the markers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter representation from fixed two-dimensional image coordinates to flexible three-dimensional spatial coordinates that account for distance variations. By storing and utilizing the vector relationship between markers, the system adapts to varying distances between the controller and markers, expanding the operational range while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If error process is performed when markers are not detected, then measurement precision is maintained, but reliability deteriorates because the device becomes inoperable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordinate accuracyVSAvoiddevice operability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares compensatory measures in advance by pre-storing the vector relationship between markers. When one marker is not detected, this pre-prepared information acts as a cushion that prevents system failure, allowing the calculation to proceed with reduced but sufficient accuracy rather than triggering an error state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potentially harmful situation of incomplete marker detection into a beneficial outcome by using the pre-stored vector relationship to reconstruct missing information. What would normally be an error condition becomes an opportunity to demonstrate the robustness of the calculation system, maintaining both precision and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP1832967B1Coordinate calculating apparatus and coordinate calculating program
Publication Date: 2013.10.16 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP1832967B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1832967B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1832967B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A coordinate calculating apparatus detects a coordinate point (detected coordinate point) of an area satisfying a predetermined condition in a captured image for each area. Next, a vector (assumed vector) indicating a relative positional relationship between two position coordinate points in the captured image is set. The coordinate calculating apparatus determines one of the position coordinate points detected by coordinate detecting means, as one of object position coordinate points, and determines the other object position coordinate point using the one position coordinate point and the vector.