Image Acquisition with Automatic Perspective Distortion Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image acquisition systems face challenges with perspective distortion when capturing images of objects with non-orthogonal orientations, leading to complex and inefficient image recognition and decoding processes, particularly in systems with fixed or movable optical apparatuses, which require laborious calibration procedures and lengthy configuration times.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using an image acquisition system with an optical apparatus equipped with inclination-detecting means, such as accelerometers or inclinometers, to automatically correct perspective distortion by calculating and validating the inclination between the optical axis and the object's reference plane, allowing for precise correction without operator intervention during configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the optical apparatus is positioned orthogonally to the object's face for optimal image acquisition, then image quality is improved, but the system requires precise positioning and calibration which increases device complexity and configuration time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpositioning and calibration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical apparatus automatically detects its own inclination relative to the object's reference plane using inclination-detecting means (accelerometers or inclinometers) and self-corrects for perspective distortion through automated image processing, eliminating the need for manual positioning and calibration by operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the processing parameters of the acquired image based on the detected inclination angle, applying geometric transformations to correct perspective distortion dynamically, allowing optimal image acquisition without precise physical positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the optical apparatus is fixed in position, then system simplicity is improved, but perspective distortion occurs when objects are positioned at non-orthogonal orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidimage accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical positioning adjustments with an automated software-based image processing system that detects inclination and applies geometric corrections to the acquired images, maintaining a fixed optical apparatus while eliminating perspective distortion

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

3Measurement precision

If manual calibration procedures are performed to correct perspective distortion, then image accuracy is improved, but configuration time and operator intervention are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical apparatus performs self-calibration by automatically detecting its inclination relative to the object's reference plane and applying the appropriate geometric correction parameters without requiring operator intervention or manual calibration procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple geometric transformation parameters corresponding to different inclination angles, allowing rapid selection and application of the appropriate correction without performing calibration procedures at the time of image acquisition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the optical apparatus is made movable to adapt to different positions, then versatility is improved, but the apparatus requires continuous repositioning and recalibration which increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adaptabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable optical apparatus continuously monitors its own inclination changes and automatically adjusts image processing parameters to maintain accurate geometric relationships, eliminating the need for recalibration after position changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts image processing parameters based on real-time inclination data from the movable apparatus, allowing continuous operation across different positions without interruption for recalibration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach enables accurate and efficient processing of images with corrected perspective distortion, reducing configuration time and minimizing decoding errors, while allowing for automatic operation in systems with movable optical apparatuses.

Implementation Method 1

the inclination of the optical apparatus with respect to gravity, received by inclination-detecting means, such as accelerometers or inclinometers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2774079B1Image acquisition method
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 DATALOGIC IP TECH
  • EP2774079B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2774079B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2774079B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method of acquiring images of an object (3) arranged on a supporting surface (4) comprises providing at least one optical image acquisition apparatus (2; 102) of said object (3) provided with an optical axis (V; V); in a work step of said optical apparatus (2; 102) an acquired image is processed to correct a possible perspective distortion of the image and at least one feature of the object (3) is extracted from the processed image. The method further comprises associating a known reference plane with said object (3) and, in a configuration step of the optical apparatus (2; 102) preceding the work step, obtaining a corresponding inclination between the reference plane and the optical axis (V); processing the acquired image in fact comprises identifying a processing mode determined as a function of the corresponding inclination and applying this preset processing mode to correct the possible perspective distortion.