Dual-Visual-Sensor Marker Tracking for Low-Load Distal-End Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the position of a movable unit's distal end require high computational processing loads and continuous image capture by visual sensors, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that utilize a first visual sensor and a second visual sensor moving relative to the first to compute the position of a movable unit by reading a projected marker, reducing processing load and enabling accurate position estimation with reduced operational load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computational processing is performed using three-dimensional shape or texture data from a visual sensor to estimate the position of a movable unit, then position estimation accuracy is improved, but processing load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A marker is introduced as an intermediary object between the visual sensor and the movable unit. The marker contains encoded position information that can be read directly by the visual sensor, eliminating the need for complex three-dimensional shape or texture data processing. The marker acts as a mediator that carries position information in a readable format, reducing computational requirements while maintaining estimation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex computational processing of three-dimensional shape and texture data with a simpler optical reading mechanism. Instead of analyzing detailed geometric and textural information, the system reads pre-encoded position data from the marker, substituting mechanical/computational analysis with direct optical detection.
2Measurement precision
If a visual sensor continuously captures images of a movable unit to track its position, then position tracking accuracy is improved, but operational complexity and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous image capture and processing, the system uses periodic or event-triggered reading of the marker. The marker remains attached to the movable unit, allowing position information to be retrieved on demand or at specific intervals, reducing operational complexity while maintaining tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker serves as a copy or representation of the movable unit's position information. Rather than processing images of the entire movable unit, the system reads position data from the marker copy, simplifying the tracking operation while preserving accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an information processing apparatus to estimate a position of a distal end of a movable unit with a reduced processing load, the information processing including a position computer that computes, on the basis of first positional information obtained from reading of a projected marker by a first visual sensor and second positional information including positional information obtained from reading of the marker by a second visual sensor that moves relative to the first visual sensor, a position of a movable unit in which the second visual sensor is disposed. This makes it possible to estimate the position of the distal end of the movable unit with a reduced processing load.