Dynamic Pattern Projection via Visual Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for projecting patterned light require multiple light shields for different light patterns, making it inefficient to produce various light effects with a single light source, especially in applications like oral inspection and machining systems.

Innovation Solution

A visual recognition-based system that uses a projection module and image-capturing module to capture calibration information, detect feature points, and project specific patterns onto objects, allowing for dynamic adjustment of light patterns without the need for multiple light shields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light shields are used to produce different light patterns, then the variety of light effects is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of light effectsVSAvoidnumber of light shields
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single light source to perform multiple functions - projecting different light patterns (circles, rectangles, triangles, etc.) without requiring multiple light shields. The system achieves this through coordinate transformation algorithms that map feature points from captured images to projection coordinates, allowing one light source to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized light shields for different patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical light shields with a computational approach. Instead of using physical masks to shape light, the system uses image capture, feature point detection, and coordinate transformation to dynamically control the light projection pattern. This substitution of mechanical components with information processing eliminates the need for multiple physical light shields while achieving the same pattern diversity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light shields are used to change light patterns, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight pattern flexibilityVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service by automatically capturing images, detecting feature points, calculating projection coordinates, and projecting the appropriate light patterns without requiring manual intervention to change light shields. The automated workflow from image capture to pattern projection eliminates the operational burden of manually selecting and installing different light shields, making the system both adaptable and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the light projection pattern changeable and adaptive in real-time based on captured images and detected features. Instead of static light shields that require physical replacement, the system dynamically adjusts projection patterns through computational coordinate transformation, allowing flexible adaptation to different applications while maintaining ease of operation through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If calibration information is obtained and coordinate transformation is performed, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection accuracyVSAvoidcalibration and processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration once to establish the transformation relationship between the image-capturing module and projection module. This pre-established calibration information enables rapid coordinate transformation for subsequent projections without repeating the full calibration process, thereby reducing the time loss while maintaining high projection accuracy across multiple uses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses copying by creating a mathematical model (coordinate transformation relationship) from the single calibration process. This copied transformation model can be repeatedly applied to convert feature points from any captured image to projection coordinates without requiring physical recalibration, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while minimizing time loss through efficient reuse of the calibration data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12010466B2Visual recognition based method and system for projecting patterned light, method and system applied to oral inspection, and machining system
Publication Date: 2024.06.11 IND TECH RES INST
  • US12010466B2 patent drawing
  • US12010466B2 patent drawing
  • US12010466B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A visual recognition based method for projecting patterned light includes: projecting a calibration image onto a projection screen by a projection module; capturing the calibration image by an image-capturing module to obtain a calibration information between the projection module and the image-capturing module; capturing an object by the image-capturing module to obtain a to-be-recognized image of the object; detecting the object in the to-be-recognized image and acquiring a plurality of feature points associated with a plurality of feature areas of the object in the to-be-recognized image; retrieving a plurality of target feature points corresponding to a target object from the feature points; obtaining a projection coordinate of the target feature points\ according to the calibration information and providing the projection coordinate to the projection module; and projecting a projection pattern with shape corresponding to the target object onto the object by the projection module according to the projection coordinate.