Optical Position Tracking Using Marked Object Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the position of a moving object is costly and challenging due to the need for complex and expensive equipment, especially when the object is in motion.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system that uses a camera to capture images of an object with markings, determining distances and angles to calculate the three-dimensional position of the object's tip, including yaw and pitch angles, and transmitting this data for remote display and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex and expensive equipment is used to determine the position of a moving object, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement equipment with an optical system consisting of a camera and image processing algorithms. The camera captures images of the object with markings, and computer vision techniques automatically determine the object's position, orientation, and motion parameters, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying by capturing images of the object with markings. Instead of directly measuring the object's position with complex equipment, the system creates an optical copy (image) and extracts position information through image processing, simplifying the measurement system while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If complex equipment is used to determine the position of a moving object, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic image capture and processing without requiring manual intervention. The camera automatically captures images of the moving object, and the image processing system automatically extracts position and motion parameters, making the operation simple and eliminating the need for complex manual measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual measurement operations are replaced by an automated optical measurement system. The camera and image processing algorithms automatically track the moving object and calculate its position, eliminating the need for operators to use complex mechanical measurement tools and procedures.
3Device complexity
If manual measurement methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera continuously captures images of the moving object at high frame rates, enabling continuous tracking and measurement. This continuous optical measurement process maintains simplicity while dramatically increasing productivity compared to discrete manual measurements, as the system can track multiple objects simultaneously and process measurements in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
Slow manual measurement processes are replaced by high-speed automated image capture and processing. The optical system can measure multiple objects simultaneously and process measurements much faster than manual methods, increasing productivity while keeping the device relatively simple.
4Device complexity
If manual measurement methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but extent of automation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is fully automated with the camera automatically capturing images and the image processing system automatically extracting position and motion parameters without human intervention. This high level of automation is achieved with relatively simple equipment compared to fully automated mechanical measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual measurement operations are completely replaced by automated optical capture and digital image processing. The system automatically tracks moving objects, calculates positions and velocities, and generates measurements without requiring operators to manually operate complex measurement equipment, achieving high automation with simple devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate, rapid, and highly automated determination of an object's position, even when in motion, by using known distances and angles to calculate a three-dimensional vector and position of the object's tip, facilitating precise tracking and velocity measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The markings are photo-reflectors (e.g., reflective tape), optical signal emitters, or a combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system in which an image of an object having a tip end and a plurality of markings disposed on an outer surface is acquired, a distance between the measurement system and each of the plurality of markings and a plurality of angles at which the object is positioned in the three-dimensional space are determined, a three-dimensional vector of the object is determined based on the distance between the measurement system and each of the plurality of markings and based on the plurality of angles at which the object is positioned in the three-dimensional space, and a position of the tip end in the three-dimensional space is determined based on the distance to each of the plurality of markings and based on the three-dimensional vector of the object.