Marine Mount Angle Calibration Using Camera-Based Offset Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in accurately installing and calibrating devices on watercraft, such as trolling motors, due to improper alignment and offset determination, leading to inefficiencies and frustration.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a camera and image processing techniques, including Hough transforms and machine learning, to automatically determine the angular offset between a device and the watercraft, providing visual feedback for accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual installation and calibration methods are used, then device mounting is simple, but alignment accuracy and offset determination are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual markers as intermediary objects placed on the watercraft and device. These markers serve as mediators between the physical installation and the digital calibration process, enabling automated image processing to accurately determine alignment and offset without requiring complex direct measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the physical installation through camera imaging. By capturing images of the watercraft and device with attached markers, the system creates a digital representation that can be processed to determine alignment accuracy, replacing the need for direct physical measurement tools.
2Measurement precision
If automated image processing is used to determine angular offset, then calibration accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing images to enhance marker visibility and pre-defining the analysis algorithm. The system prepares the image data in advance by adjusting contrast, brightness, and sharpness, and by pre-loading marker templates, which reduces the computational burden during the actual offset determination phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by adjusting image processing thresholds and algorithm sensitivity based on lighting conditions and marker characteristics. By dynamically modifying processing parameters rather than using fixed settings, the system achieves accurate offset determination while minimizing unnecessary computational steps.
3Measurement precision
If visual markers are added to assist alignment, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the visual markers universal by designing them to serve multiple functions: they indicate alignment, provide reference points for offset measurement, and serve as verification elements for proper installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment tools and simplifies the overall installation process despite adding markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive, easily removable visual markers that can be temporarily attached during installation and then discarded or removed. These disposable markers simplify installation by providing clear visual guidance without requiring permanent modifications to the device or watercraft.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for determining an angular offset for a device attached to a watercraft. The system comprises an electronic device including a camera, one or more processors, and a memory including computer program code. The computer program code is configured to, when executed, cause the one or more processors to determine, based on an image via the camera, a first direction associated with the watercraft. The image includes at least a portion of the watercraft and at least a portion of the device mounted to the watercraft. The computer program code is also configured to, when executed, determine, based on the image via the camera, a second direction associated with the device, determine an angular offset between the first direction and the second direction, and store an indication of the angular offset in the memory for use with one or more functions associated with the device.