Dynamic Focal-Length Camera Tracking Without Distance Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated camera systems in aerial imagery and photogrammetry face challenges in determining camera orientation corrections due to the absence of camera-to-object distance information, making it difficult to track objects as the distance changes, and requiring complex servoing control-loop gains adjustments and calibration processes, especially when focal length changes occur.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the pan, roll, and tilt angles required to center a feature in an image based on the camera's focal length and image processing, allowing the camera orientation to be adjusted independently of the camera-to-object distance, without altering servoing control-loop gains, enabling flexible camera system modifications and reduced maintenance burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional automated camera systems use fixed servoing control-loop gains for object tracking, then the system can maintain stable tracking under specific conditions, but the system requires complex recalibration and gain adjustments when focal length changes or camera-to-object distance varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the servoing control-loop gains variable rather than fixed. The gains are dynamically adjusted based on the detected camera-to-object distance and focal length, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions without manual recalibration. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining tracking stability across varying distances and focal lengths while eliminating the complexity of manual gain adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the camera-to-object distance and using this information to adjust the servoing control-loop gains in real-time. The system detects distance changes and automatically modifies the gains to maintain optimal tracking performance, eliminating the need for manual recalibration when conditions change.
2Measurement precision
If the camera system uses distance-based tracking methods, then the system can accurately track objects at varying distances, but the system requires complex servoing control-loop gains adjustments and calibration processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the camera system to automatically detect camera-to-object distance and self-adjust the servoing control-loop gains without external intervention. The system performs its own calibration by utilizing distance information from image processing, eliminating the need for manual calibration processes while maintaining high tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of control-loop gains from fixed to variable based on distance. By continuously adjusting the gains according to the detected camera-to-object distance, the system maintains high tracking accuracy across varying distances while simplifying operation, as the adjustments occur automatically without user involvement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera system allows flexible focal length changes, then the system can adapt to different tracking scenarios, but the system requires recalibration and adjustments in servoing parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the system with the capability to automatically adjust servoing parameters based on detected focal length changes. When a focal length change occurs, the system has already been prepared to detect this change and automatically recalculate the appropriate gains, eliminating the need for manual recalibration and reducing maintenance downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback to continuously monitor focal length changes and automatically adjust servoing parameters in response. The system detects when the focal length changes through image processing, feeds this information back to the control system, and automatically modifies the gains to maintain optimal performance, thereby eliminating maintenance downtime associated with manual recalibration.
4Device complexity
If the camera system uses fixed orientation control for tracking, then the system can maintain simple control mechanisms, but the system cannot effectively track objects as camera-to-object distance changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the control mechanism from fixed to adaptive. The system dynamically adjusts the orientation control based on detected camera-to-object distance, allowing effective tracking across varying distances while maintaining relatively simple control hardware. The adaptability comes from the intelligent adjustment of control parameters rather than complex mechanical systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of tracking an image feature is described. The method comprises acquiring an image with a camera, and determining, using processing circuitry, a bounding area in the image, the bounding area surrounding a feature in the image. The method further comprises determining, using processing circuitry, a rotation axis and a rotation angle based on a first focal length of the camera and a position of the bounding area relative to a center of the image. The method further comprises determining, using processing circuitry, at least one of a pan angle, a roll angle, and a tilt angle for the camera at which the bounding area is centered in the image. The method further comprises adjusting, using a gimbal, an orientation of the camera based on the at least one of the pan angle, the roll angle, and the tilt angle.