Predicting Object Height Using Partial Field of View Range Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine vision systems struggle to focus quickly enough on moving objects, especially at high speeds, as they can only accurately measure object height when the object is entirely within the field of view, limiting the time to capture high-quality images.
Innovation Solution
The techniques predict the height of a moving object using range data from a distance sensing device, such as a time-of-flight sensor, before it is entirely within the field of view, allowing for earlier auto-focus and improved image capture by estimating the object's distance and height based on initial and subsequent measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the system waits for the object to be entirely within the field of view before measuring height, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the capture time is reduced and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary height measurements while the object is partially in the field of view, before the object is fully captured. This allows the focus mechanism to be adjusted in advance, so that when the object enters the full field of view, the system is already prepared to capture high-quality images immediately, thereby increasing the capture rate without sacrificing measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses traditional height measurement methods, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the response time deteriorates at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system initiates height measurement and focus adjustment processes before the object fully enters the field of view. By performing these actions preliminarily at partial object visibility, the system reduces the critical focus adjustment time when the object is at high speed, while maintaining measurement accuracy through the use of distance sensors and computational algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary computational model that estimates object height based on partial field of view data and sensor measurements. This intermediary processing layer allows the system to predict height and prepare focus settings before the object is fully visible, reducing time loss without compromising the accuracy of the final measurement.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system captures images only when the object is entirely within the field of view, then image quality is improved, but the capture time window is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary distance measurements and height estimations taken while the object is partially in view to pre-adjust the focus and capture parameters. This preparation allows the system to extend the effective capture time window, as the focus is already optimized when the object enters the full field of view, enabling quality captures over a longer duration rather than a brief moment.
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
This approach enables faster and more accurate auto-focus, allowing for better image quality and increased capture time of moving objects, even at high speeds, by predicting object height before it is fully within the sensor's field of view, thus improving machine vision system performance.
Implementation Method 1
using a distance sensing device, such as a time-of-flight sensor, to measure range data
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to predicting height information for an object. First distance data is determined at a first time when an object is at a first position that is only partially within the field-of-view. Second distance data is determined at a second, later time when the object is at a second, different position that is only partially within the field-of-view. A distance measurement model that models a physical parameter of the object within the field-of-view is determined for the object based on the first and second distance data. Third distance data indicative of an estimated distance to the object prior to the object being entirely within the field-of-view of the distance sensing device is determined based on the first distance data, the second distance data, and the distance measurement model. Data indicative of a height of the object is determined based on the third distance data.