Optical Sensing System Calibration Using Virtual Reference Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical sensing and navigation systems require time-consuming and costly calibration methods to accurately calculate object movement, involving repetitive movements or expensive pattern printing and imaging processing.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensing system comprising a processing circuit, first and second calibration optical sensors, and a normal optical sensor, where the processing circuit determines object movement by calculating distances between sensor edges, allowing for calibration based on captured images and a reference distance, thereby simplifying the calibration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used (moving object for specific distance and accumulating movement), then measurement precision can be achieved, but loss of time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a virtual reference object created from image data instead of requiring physical reference objects. The processing circuit extracts feature points from captured images and creates a virtual reference model, eliminating the need for physical calibration objects and repeated physical movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical movement calibration with optical field-based calibration. Instead of physically moving objects and measuring distances mechanically, the system uses image processing and optical sensor data to calculate movement, substituting mechanical systems with optical and computational methods.
2Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used (moving object for specific distance), then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity increases due to requiring high precision and high repeatability machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual reference object from image feature points, replacing the need for complex physical reference objects and high-precision mechanical positioning systems. This virtual model can be processed computationally without requiring complex hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration method is designed to be universally applicable to different objects and scenarios. The processing circuit can handle various object types and movement scenarios using the same image processing and feature point matching algorithms, eliminating the need for object-specific calibration procedures.
3Measurement precision
If pattern printing calibration method is used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but cost increases due to wasting object and print ink
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual reference object from captured image data without requiring physical pattern printing on objects. The feature points are extracted directly from images of the actual objects or scenes, eliminating the need for printed calibration patterns and associated material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the objects or scenes themselves as the calibration reference by extracting feature points from their images. The calibration process serves itself by utilizing the inherent visual features of the objects being measured, rather than requiring additional calibration materials to be applied to them.
4Measurement precision
If pattern printing calibration method is used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual reference objects directly from captured images without requiring physical pattern printing and subsequent imaging processing. This eliminates the time-consuming steps of printing patterns and performing complex image processing to recognize patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary feature point extraction and virtual reference object creation during the normal imaging process. By preparing the calibration data structure in advance through image feature extraction, the system eliminates the need for separate calibration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
an optical sensing system comprising: a processing circuit; a first calibration optical sensor, comprising a first sensor edge and a second sensor edge opposite to the first sensor edge; and a second calibration optical sensor, away from the first calibration optical sensor for a first distance, comprising a third sensor edge and a fourth sensor edge opposite to the third sensor edge. The processing circuit determines a target object has moved for a target distance if an object pattern of the target object moves from a first location in the first calibration sensor to a second location in the second calibration sensor, wherein a first sum of a second distance which is between the first location and the first sensor edge and a third distance between the second location and the third sensor edge equals to a reference distance.