Optical Tracking Markers Using Parallel Light for Distortion-Free Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical tracking systems face challenges in accurately calculating the spatial position and direction of targets due to lens distortion, which affects the measurement of marker diameters, making it difficult to determine exact positions and directions.
Innovation Solution
An optical tracking system that uses markers emitting parallel light to form an enlarged image of a pattern portion, which is received by an image forming unit and processed to calculate the spatial position and direction using the enlarged image, independent of lens distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image forming units are used to capture marker images, then the system can track target position, but lens distortion causes inaccurate measurement of marker diameters and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful lens distortion effect by using a telecentric lens that eliminates perspective distortion. The telecentric lens design allows light rays to enter parallel to the optical axis, preventing the curvature and distortion that occur in conventional lenses. This extraction of the distortion problem enables accurate measurement of marker positions and diameters regardless of the marker's distance from the image forming unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the lens system by switching from a conventional lens to a telecentric lens. This parameter change fundamentally alters how light is focused and how images are formed, eliminating the distortion issue. The telecentric lens maintains a constant focal length and parallel light paths, which are key parameter changes that resolve the measurement accuracy problem.
2Measurement precision
If the image forming unit is positioned close to the target for detailed tracking, then measurement precision improves, but the available tracking area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the optical dimension through telecentric lens design. Instead of moving the image forming unit closer to the target to improve precision, the telecentric lens enables accurate measurement from a distance. This dimensional change in the optical system allows the image forming unit to be positioned at an optimal distance while maintaining both high precision and extended tracking area.
3Measurement precision
If conventional lenses are used, then the system structure is simple, but the resolving power is insufficient for accurate marker detection
Solution Approach 1:
The telecentric lens acts as an intermediary optical element that bridges the gap between simple system structure and high measurement precision. While it introduces some optical complexity, this intermediary component enables accurate marker detection without requiring complex image processing algorithms or multiple sensors. The telecentric lens simplifies the overall system by providing distortion-free images that can be directly measured.
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
The system achieves accurate detection of spatial position and direction without relying on lens resolving power, expanding the available tracking area and enabling system downsizing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one marker unit (110) which is attached on a target and emits a parallel light to form an enlarged image of a pattern portion (111)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical tracking system and a method using the same capable of detecting an exact spatial position and a direction of a target regardless of the distance from the target to be calculated is disclosed. The optical tracking system and a method using the same according to an embodiment of the present invention has an effect of expanding an available area by detecting an exact spatial position and a direction of a target regardless of the distance from the target to be calculated, as well as, a system downsizing is also achieved by significantly reducing size of the marker unit compared with conventional system.