Image Processing System for Camera Positioning Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image monitoring systems in production lines face challenges in efficiently changing camera settings during set-up changes, particularly when abnormality detection targets shift, as simply adjusting focus is insufficient to address positional changes required for accurate monitoring.

Innovation Solution

An image processing system that includes a network of cameras and a processing device capable of managing setting information for each set-up number, allowing for precise adjustment of camera positions through real-time video matching with reference static images, enabling accurate alignment and detection region settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the focus of the disposed camera is changed without physically moving the disposing position, then the setting of the camera is changed, but it is not possible to solve the problem when shooting by moving the disposing position is necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera setting changeVSAvoidpositional adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image processing to create a virtual model of the production line that copies the physical layout. By manipulating this virtual model through image recognition and processing algorithms, the system achieves positional adjustment without physically moving cameras or jigs, thus maintaining ease of operation while gaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically moving cameras and jigs with an image processing-based system. By using computer vision algorithms to analyze and process images of the production line, the system substitutes mechanical repositioning with digital image manipulation, achieving both ease of operation and adaptability.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If different products are produced in the same production process, then set-up change is necessary, but it requires changing camera settings and jigs which complicates the process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct variety handlingVSAvoidset-up change complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal image processing system that can handle multiple product types without requiring separate camera settings or physical jig changes. The system uses general-purpose image recognition algorithms that automatically adapt to different products, making the monitoring system multi-functional and reducing setup complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from physically changing camera parameters and jig configurations to changing image processing parameters through software. By adjusting algorithmic parameters rather than physical settings, the system achieves adaptability for different products while maintaining consistent hardware configuration, thus reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the disposing position of the camera is moved to achieve accurate monitoring, then detection accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and adjustment difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormality detection accuracyVSAvoidcamera positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the production line through image processing that allows precise measurement and analysis without physically repositioning cameras. By working with processed image data rather than physical camera positioning, the system achieves high detection accuracy while simplifying the positioning complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical system of camera repositioning with an image processing system. By using computer vision algorithms to enhance and analyze images, the system achieves measurement precision equivalent to physical repositioning without the complexity of mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3255603B1Image processing device, image processing system, and image processing method
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3255603B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3255603B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3255603B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Included are a display unit displaying a first display region displaying a static image being a reference for matching an imaging unit to a predetermined imaging position and a second display region displaying video data imaged by the imaging unit; a storing unit storing information representing a positional relationship between a determination region being a target of image determination performed with respect to the video data and a first reference region set in the first display region; a determining unit executing a first matching operation of searching for an image coincident with an image of the first reference region in a frame of the video data displayed on the second display region, and determining a region of the coincident image as a second reference region; and a correcting unit correcting a position of the determination region based on a shift amount between the first reference region in the first display region and the second reference region in the second display region, and the information representing the positional relationship stored in the storing unit.