Multi-Angle Surface Identification for Similar-Looking Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies struggle to accurately identify the surface of an object facing an imaging device when the object has multiple surfaces with similar appearances, leading to ambiguity in orientation determination.
Innovation Solution
A processing device and program that utilize a controller to obtain multiple images of the object in different orientations, perform orientation estimation processes using template matching, and rotate the object to capture images from different angles to distinguish between similar surfaces, thereby identifying the target surface facing the imaging device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If template matching is used to identify surface orientation, then processing speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when multiple surfaces have similar appearances
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary rotation of the object to specific orientations before imaging. By pre-positioning the object in known orientations (e.g., rotating by predetermined angles), the system creates distinguishable visual patterns that enable accurate surface identification through template matching, resolving the ambiguity of similar appearances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single 2D image to a multi-angle view by rotating the object in 3D space. This dimensional change provides additional visual information that distinguishes between surfaces with similar appearances, allowing the template matching algorithm to accurately identify the target surface orientation.
2Measurement precision
If the object is rotated to capture images from different angles, then surface identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The object itself is rotated to provide the necessary view changes, rather than moving the imaging device or using multiple fixed cameras. This self-rotation approach simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving multi-angle imaging, as only the object positioning mechanism needs to be controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
A single imaging device captures all necessary images by combining multiple object orientations. The same camera and processing system handle both the rotation control and image analysis, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate specialized equipment for each function.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images in different orientations are obtained, then surface identification accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The object is rotated to specific predetermined orientations and imaged in a systematic sequence. By using periodic rotation at fixed angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°), the system efficiently captures all necessary views in a regular pattern, minimizing the total time required compared to random or continuous rotation approaches.
Data Source
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AI summary
A processing device includes a controller that (s2) obtains, from an imaging device, a first image of an object in a first orientation. The object includes a plurality of surfaces having appearances similar to each other. The controller (s3) identifies, from the plurality of surfaces, a target surface facing the imaging device. The controller further (s5) obtains a second image of the object in a second orientation different from the first orientation. The controller (s9) identifies the target surface based on the first image and the second image.