Monocular Camera Distance Measurement via Geometric Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image acquisition devices face challenges in measuring distances due to high production costs and complex installations associated with laser ranging and stereoscopic vision technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize image acquisition devices to calculate distances based on the first distance between an object's lowest point and the camera's center, combined with the installation height and pitch angle of the device, eliminating the need for laser emitting and receiving devices and stereoscopic setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser ranging technology is used for distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase due to requiring laser emitting and receiving devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distance measurement function from complex laser ranging systems and implements it using only a single image acquisition device. By taking out the essential measurement capability and implementing it through simple geometric calculation from a single image, the system achieves distance measurement without requiring laser emitting and receiving devices, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single image acquisition device to capture the object and creates a two-dimensional representation from which distance information is derived through calculation. This copying approach allows the system to obtain distance measurement capability without replicating complex laser ranging hardware, achieving the measurement function through software processing of image data instead of physical laser devices
2Measurement precision
If stereoscopic vision technology is used for distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to requiring stereo camera setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distance measurement capability from stereoscopic vision systems and implements it using a single image acquisition device with geometric calculation. By taking out the essential measurement function and realizing it through mathematical computation from monocular images, the system eliminates the need for complex stereo camera installation while preserving distance measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical stereoscopic vision system with a computational geometry approach. Instead of using two physical cameras to capture spatial information, the system uses a single camera and substitutes the mechanical depth-sensing mechanism with mathematical calculations based on image geometry, device installation parameters, and object characteristics, thereby simplifying installation
3Measurement precision
If laser emitting and receiving devices are installed in the image acquisition device, then distance measurement capability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image acquisition device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both image capture and distance measurement using the same hardware component. By processing the captured image data through geometric calculation algorithms that incorporate device installation parameters, the single image acquisition device achieves dual functionality, eliminating the need for separate laser ranging devices and reducing production cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the image acquisition device to measure distance using its own captured image data and inherent geometric properties. The device processes its own output (the image) through calculation algorithms that use its installation parameters, allowing it to self-determine distance without external laser devices, thereby reducing production cost while maintaining measurement capability
Data Source
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AI summary
A measurement method and apparatus are provided. The measurement method is applicable to an image acquisition device, and includes: acquiring image data to generate an image data file (S101); capturing an object to be measured in an image corresponding to the image data file (S102); obtaining a first distance between a horizontal line going through a lowest point of the object to be measured in the image and a horizontal line going through a center point of the image (S103); and calculating a second distance between the object to be measured and the image acquisition device based on the first distance, an installation height of the image acquisition device and a pitch angle of the image acquisition device (S104). Compared with the relevant art, the image acquisition device can measure the distance to an object to be measured while achieving relatively low production cost and easy installation. As a result, actual demands can be better satisfied.