Optical Tracking Marker Using Coordinate Conversion for Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical tracking systems require multiple markers for precise tracking, which increases equipment size and complexity, making them unsuitable for applications requiring fine precision.

Innovation Solution

An optical tracking system that uses pattern information to calculate the posture and location of a marker part by acquiring conversion matrices and applying coordinate conversion formulas, allowing for accurate tracking with simplified marker configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple markers are used for precise tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking precisionVSAvoidmarker configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple markers into a single integrated marker part that contains a pattern recognizable by the image forming units. This single marker part integrates the tracking functionality that previously required multiple separate markers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining tracking precision through the use of coordinate conversion formulas and posture definition matrices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single marker part serves multiple functions: it provides tracking information, enables posture calculation, and supports location determination. The pattern on the marker part can be recognized from different angles and positions, making it a universal tracking solution that replaces multiple specialized markers with one multi-functional component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple markers are attached to the target, then tracking accuracy is improved, but the size of the equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidequipment size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple markers into one compact marker part with a specific pattern. This consolidation significantly reduces the space required on the target object while maintaining tracking accuracy through sophisticated image processing and coordinate conversion techniques that extract precise position and orientation information from the single marker.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multiple markers are used, then position tracking is more accurate, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition tracking accuracyVSAvoidtracking operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the tracking operation by using a single marker part instead of multiple markers. The processing part automatically calculates the posture and location of this single marker using coordinate conversion formulas, eliminating the need for manual configuration or alignment of multiple markers and making the system easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 and easy tracking of markers while minimizing the number of markers needed, allowing for more precise and compact optical tracking systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first lens 114 and a second lens 122. The first lens 114 is spaced apart from the pattern 112... on which the image of the pattern 112 is formed by the first lens 114 and the second lens 122

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3576051B1Optical tracking system, and method for calculating posture and location of marker part in optical tracking system
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 KOHYOUNG TECH
  • EP3576051B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3576051B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3576051B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical tracking system includes a marker part, an image forming part, and a processing part. The marker part includes a pattern having particular information and a first lens. First and second image forming parts include second and third lenses and first and second image forming units. The processing part determines the posture of the marker part from a first coordinate conversion formula between a coordinate on the pattern surface of a pattern and first pixel coordinate on a first image of the pattern, and a second coordinate conversion formula between a coordinate on the pattern surface of the pattern and second pixel coordinate on a second image of the pattern, the second coordinate conversion formula including the rotation conversion between the first pixel coordinate and the second pixel coordinate and tracks the marker part by using the posture of the marker part.