Distributed Stereo Camera Nodes for Real-Time 3D Target Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photogrammetry systems face challenges in achieving accurate and continuous position monitoring of targets in complex and harsh environments due to limitations in base length, increased measurement errors with range, and line-of-sight obstructions, making them unsuitable for manufacturing settings.
Innovation Solution
A network of digital cameras with a hub controller is used to capture stereoscopic images synchronously, determining three-dimensional positions locally at each node and transmitting to a central hub for global positioning, reducing data transfer bottlenecks and enhancing accuracy and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the base length is increased to improve measurement accuracy at long ranges, then measurement precision is improved, but the rigid structure becomes more susceptible to thermal and vibrational influences, introducing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into multiple independent nodes, each with its own camera assembly. Instead of using a single long base length, multiple shorter base lengths are distributed throughout the scene, reducing the impact of thermal and vibrational influences on any single measurement path while maintaining overall measurement accuracy through networked triangulation.
2Device complexity
If a single stereo camera assembly is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but line-of-sight obstructions can interrupt data capture, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring function across multiple distributed nodes, each capable of independently capturing target positions. This segmentation ensures that if one node's line-of-sight is obstructed, other nodes can continue monitoring, thereby maintaining continuous and reliable data capture without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node is positioned and oriented to optimize its local field of view for capturing targets in specific regions. By assigning different local qualities (field of view orientations) to different nodes, the system ensures comprehensive coverage and continuous monitoring capability, with each node specialized for its local operational environment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple nodes are used to improve measurement accuracy and continuous monitoring, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but data transfer and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the heavy computational task of 3D position determination from the central hub and performs it locally at each node. Each node independently processes its camera images to calculate target positions in its local coordinate system, then transmits only the simplified position data to the hub. This extraction of computation to the edges reduces central processing complexity and enables real-time monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The data processing function is segmented and distributed across multiple nodes rather than centralized. Each node handles its own image processing and local coordinate transformation, reducing the data transfer burden and central processing complexity. The hub only receives and integrates the simplified position data from multiple nodes, significantly reducing overall system complexity.
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
The system achieves improved accuracy and continuous monitoring of target positions by leveraging multiple nodes for enhanced data processing efficiency, reducing line-of-sight risks, and allowing real-time position tracking in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
two cameras comprise respective lens assemblies associated with image sensors which are operable to capture a pair of stereoscopic images of a scene
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a photogrammetry system for tracking the position of targets in real-time, using an extensible network of nodes, each of which comprises a stereoscopic camera assembly and a processor configured to process stereoscopic images to generate target data representing the positions of the targets. The target data may then be sent to a hub controller for determining global positions of the targets based on the target data generated at each node.