Position Determination Marking with Viewing Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position determination methods in industrial environments, such as those using passive optical markers, ultrasonic signals, or LiDAR systems, require calibration and multiple markers, which can be inaccurate due to perspective effects and temporal inconsistencies, especially in environments with complex scenes.
Innovation Solution
A marking system comprising an indicator surface with multiple indicators arranged in a first plane and a viewing area in a second plane, allowing the camera to read indicators through a defined viewing point, eliminating the need for calibration by using a camera system with a position determination unit to deduce the camera's relative position based on the read indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive optical markers are used for position determination, then position information can be obtained, but calibration is required and multiple markers in favorable constellation are needed which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator surface is segmented into multiple different indicators arranged in a grid pattern, where each indicator represents a specific position. This segmentation allows the camera to determine position by identifying which specific indicator is visible through the viewing area, eliminating the need for multiple separate markers and complex calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
A viewing area with magnifying optics acts as an intermediary between the indicator surface and the camera. This intermediary magnifies the indicator field of view, allowing accurate position determination with a single marking structure rather than requiring multiple markers and complex camera calibration.
2Measurement precision
If conventional camera systems are used for position determination, then position information can be obtained, but calibration of the camera system is required to know imaging properties exactly
Solution Approach 1:
The marking structure serves itself by incorporating the viewing area with magnifying optics that create a defined viewing point. This self-contained design allows the marking to provide its own reference frame, eliminating the need for external camera calibration while maintaining high position determination accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If map-based position determination or LiDAR systems are used, then position information can be obtained, but temporal consistency of scene contents is required which reduces adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the camera system actively scan or emit signals (as in LiDAR or map-based approaches), the invention inverts the approach by having a passive marking structure with a defined viewing area that selectively reveals position information. The camera simply captures the visible indicator through the viewing area, making the system adaptable to various environments without requiring temporal consistency or active scanning.
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 position determination without calibration, improving resolution and readability through magnifying optics and lighting, suitable for various scenarios including industrial environments and large spaces, with the system being passive and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
improving resolution and readability through magnifying optics
Data Source
AI summary
A marking for position determination. The marking includes an indicator surface which is arranged at least partially in a first plane and on which a large number of different indicators is arranged, and a viewing area which is arranged in a second plane located in front of the first plane in an intended viewing direction and which is configured in such a way that it defines a viewing point through which the indicator surface in the first plane is to be viewed in order to read an indicator from the large number of different indicators. An associated camera system and an associated positioning system are also described.