Dual-Mode Mat Camera Calibration via Illumination Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional frictionless checkout systems require standalone illumination systems for camera calibration, which are costly, time-consuming to configure, and occupy valuable space.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode pressure-sensing and illumination mat that integrates light emitting diodes (LEDs) to generate an illumination pattern, allowing for simultaneous pressure sensing and camera calibration without the need for separate illumination systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standalone illumination systems are installed for camera calibration, then camera calibration can be performed, but operational cost increases and configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function and pressure sensing function into a single integrated mat system. The mat includes both LED illumination elements and pressure sensing elements, allowing the same device to serve dual purposes: providing illumination for camera calibration and detecting pressure changes for item detection. This merging eliminates the need for separate standalone illumination systems, thereby reducing operational cost and configuration complexity while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an illumination device and a pressure sensing device. The illumination elements provide calibrated lighting patterns for camera calibration, while the pressure sensing elements detect item placement and removal. This universal design allows a single system to perform multiple functions that previously required separate systems, reducing overall system complexity and operational costs.
2Measurement precision
If standalone illumination systems are installed for camera calibration, then camera calibration can be performed, but space available for products decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the illumination function into the pressure sensing mat, the patent eliminates the need for separate illumination equipment that would occupy additional space. The integrated mat provides both calibration illumination and item detection capabilities within the same footprint, maximizing the space available for products while maintaining calibration accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pressure mats are used without illumination assemblies, then pressure sensing is possible, but camera calibration cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an illumination device and a pressure sensing device. The illumination elements provide calibrated lighting patterns for camera calibration, while the pressure sensing elements detect item placement and removal. This universal design allows a single system to perform multiple functions that previously required separate systems, reducing overall system complexity and operational costs.
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 dual-mode mat enables efficient and accurate camera calibration, reducing operational costs and configuration time while optimizing space usage, thereby enhancing the overall performance of frictionless checkout systems.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the mat to energize one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to generate an illumination pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for calibrating a camera using a calibration system are provided. The calibration system includes a mat, a camera, and a controller. The systems and methods include the controller configuring the mat to operation in an illumination mode in which the mat energizes one or more LEDs to form an illumination pattern. The controller receives image data generated by the camera that features the illumination pattern. The controller analyzes the image data to derive heading data for the camera and sets the camera heading data to be the derived heading data.