Fish Length Measurement Using Camera Marker Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately measuring the length of a fish without physically bringing it back for measurement is challenging due to factors like camera angle, zoom, and weather conditions, and existing methods are prone to inaccuracies and fraud.
Innovation Solution
Employing computer vision and augmented reality techniques using a camera and a marker within the camera view to determine the fish's length, independent of zoom and angle, with a processor and memory configured to process images and provide real-time or remote measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measurement device is placed close to the fish for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device becomes visible and readable in the picture which may lead to fraud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a marker as an intermediary object between the camera and the fish. The marker serves as a reference scale that enables accurate measurement without requiring a physical measurement device to be visible in the final picture. The marker is processed through computer vision to establish a pixel-to-real-world-length conversion ratio, thereby mediating between the digital image space and physical measurement space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the measurement process by using computer vision algorithms to detect and measure the marker and fish in the image. Instead of relying on physical measurement devices visible in the picture, the system creates a virtual measurement overlay that displays the measured length directly on the image, eliminating the need for physical rulers or scales that could be tampered with.
2Measurement precision
If a measurement device is used in the picture, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (physical rulers, scales, and measurement devices) with a computational system. Computer vision algorithms automatically detect the marker and fish in the image, calculate the pixel-to-length conversion ratio, and determine the fish length without requiring any physical measurement tools to be visible or interact with the scene.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker serves as a simple intermediary that bridges the gap between the camera image and real-world measurements. Instead of complex measurement devices, the system uses a straightforward marker with known dimensions that can be easily detected by computer vision, significantly simplifying the overall system while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If traditional measurement methods are used, then measurement accuracy may be compromised by camera angle and zoom, but eliminating physical measurement requires new techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reference parameter from fixed physical measurement devices to a flexible pixel-to-length conversion ratio derived from the marker. This allows the system to automatically adapt to different camera angles, zoom levels, and distances by recalculating the conversion ratio based on the detected marker size in the image, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy across varying operational parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is made dynamic by automatically adjusting the pixel-to-length conversion ratio based on the detected marker in each image. Rather than relying on fixed calibration, the system dynamically computes the appropriate scaling factor for each photograph, enabling accurate measurements even when camera parameters such as angle, zoom, or distance change between shots.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide an accurate way to measure the length of a fish. Some embodiments of the present invention propose utilizing a known length of a marker within a camera view or picture to determine the length of the fish also shown in the same camera view or picture. This determination could be performed in real-time or later remotely. Further, the measurement of the length of the fish is reliable because it is not dependent on a zoom value or angle of the camera and there is no required measurement device. Further, the technique is easy to use and can be performed with a camera phone or tablet.