Mobile Camera Surface Recognition Through Focused Reference Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface recognition methods are location-dependent and lack safety in assessing contrasts, requiring complex and stationary setups.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a mobile device with a camera to focus on a prominent image dot, create high-contrast live video streams, analyze frames, and compare them with a reference image for automatic surface recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stationary optical scanning devices with complex setups are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and location independence is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mobile device with camera to capture optical images of the surface, creating a digital copy of the surface features. This replaces complex stationary scanning devices with a simple camera-based system that achieves comparable measurement precision through image processing and analysis of optical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the illumination source and the imaging device. The camera captures images while the device's processor analyzes them, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If stationary optical devices are deployed, then surface assessment accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to location dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from stationary to mobile operation, allowing the assessment device to be dynamically positioned at various locations. The mobile device can be moved to different surfaces and angles while maintaining assessment accuracy through real-time image capture and processing
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs self-contained operation by integrating the camera, processor, and analysis algorithms into a single portable unit. The device automatically captures images, processes them to assess surface contrasts, and provides results without requiring connection to external stationary equipment
3Reliability
If complex stationary setups are used for surface recognition, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes commercially available mobile devices with integrated cameras and processors, replacing expensive specialized stationary equipment. The solution leverages off-the-shelf components that are easily manufactured and deployed, maintaining reliability through software-based analysis rather than complex hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A method for recognizing surfaces, in particular for optically recognizing or identifying structured and/or pictorial surfaces involves the steps of: focusing a camera onto a prominent image dot on the surface; creating at least one live video stream of a recognizable, high-contrast area of the image dot; guiding the camera to the image frame of the video having the greatest depth of detail by focusing the camera onto a prominent image dot on the surface to be sensed; creating at least two images of a recognizable, high-contrast area of the image dot; storing the image having the greatest depth of detail as a reference image; analyzing each image frame of the live video stream; and comparing the image frame having the greatest depth of detail with a target image or reference image.