Patch Panel Port Detection Using Image Line Segments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional method of labeling patch panel ports is inefficient due to the complexity of data connections and the difficulty in estimating port dimensions from images obstructed by cables and wires.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a computing device to receive images of patch panels, extract regions of interest, detect line segments, identify candidate ports or corners, and estimate gap lengths to generate accurate labels, even when ports are partially obstructed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measuring tape is used to take measurements manually, then measurement accuracy can be obtained, but the process becomes tedious and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical measurement process (measuring tape) with an automated image processing system that uses computer vision algorithms to detect ports and calculate dimensions, thereby eliminating manual measurement while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the patch panel ports and performs measurements on the image data rather than physically measuring the ports, allowing for accurate dimension estimation without manual intervention
2Productivity
If a camera-equipped electronic device is used to take images of ports, then labeling speed can be improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when ports are obstructed by cables or wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into multiple stages: extracting region of interest, detecting line segments, identifying candidate ports, and calculating gap lengths. This segmentation allows the system to handle obstructed ports by focusing on detectable features (line segments and corners) rather than requiring complete port visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate representation elements (line segments and candidate port corners) that serve as mediators between the obstructed physical ports and the measurement system, allowing accurate dimension estimation even when ports are partially blocked by cables or wires
3Measurement precision
If traditional manual labeling methods are used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the complexity of data connections makes the process tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the patch panel to label itself by automatically detecting its own ports and dimensions through image processing, eliminating the need for manual measurement and reducing the complexity of data connection documentation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of estimating one or more dimensions of a patch panel may include receiving an image of a patch panel that comprises a plurality of ports and one or more gaps, extracting, by a computing device, a region of interest from the received image, detecting, by the computing device, one or more line segments from the region of interest, determining whether one or more candidate ports can be identified based on at least a portion of the line segments, and in response to determining that one or more candidate ports can be identified, identifying one or more candidate ports, and determining, by the computing device, a gap length associated with the identified candidate ports.