Reflectance Panel With Machine-Readable Symbol for Automated Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual identification and calibration of reflectance panels in image processing pipelines for remote sensing applications are inefficient, requiring manual search and entry of panel-specific calibration information.

Innovation Solution

A reflectance panel assembly with a machine-readable symbol that includes calibration information, allowing for automated identification and calibration of images using computing devices to adjust pixel values based on the panel's known reflectance properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual identification and calibration methods are used for reflectance panels, then panel-specific calibration information can be obtained, but the image processing pipeline becomes extremely inefficient due to manual search and entry requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidimage processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflectance panel assembly includes a machine-readable symbol that enables the panel to provide its own calibration information automatically. The computing device reads the symbol to obtain panel-specific calibration information without manual intervention, allowing the system to self-calibrate efficiently while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of searching through image sets and entering calibration data with an automated optical/electronic system. The computing device uses image processing to detect the machine-readable symbol and automatically retrieves calibration information, substituting manual operations with automated computational methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual identification of panel captures and areas is performed, then accurate panel detection is achieved, but extreme inefficiencies occur in the image processing pipeline

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel detection accuracyVSAvoidtime for panel identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection and identification with automated computer vision algorithms. The computing device processes images to automatically detect the machine-readable symbol and identify panel captures, eliminating time-consuming manual search while maintaining detection accuracy through systematic image analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine-readable symbol serves as an intermediary element that facilitates automatic panel identification. This symbol acts as a machine-readable mediator between the reflectance panel and the computing device, enabling automated detection and eliminating the need for manual image area identification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If manual retrieval and entry of panel-specific calibration information is performed, then accurate calibration data is obtained, but extreme inefficiencies occur in the image processing pipeline

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration data accuracyVSAvoidcalibration process automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The reflectance panel assembly includes a machine-readable symbol that enables the panel to provide its own calibration information automatically. The computing device reads the symbol to obtain panel-specific calibration information without manual intervention, allowing the system to self-calibrate efficiently while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual process of retrieving and entering calibration data with automated optical/electronic systems. The computing device uses image processing to detect the machine-readable symbol and automatically retrieves calibration information from storage, substituting manual data entry with automated computational methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10467711B2Reflectance panels featuring machine-readable symbol and methods of use
Publication Date: 2019.11.05 AGEAGLE AERIAL INC
  • US10467711B2 patent drawing
  • US10467711B2 patent drawing
  • US10467711B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to aspects of the present disclosure, systems, apparatuses, and methods are provide that automate the process of finding captures of reflectance panels, detecting the particular regions of each image that represent the reflectance panel, and retrieving or otherwise obtaining reflectance information for the reflectance panel. One example reflectance panel assembly includes a reflectance panel and a machine-readable symbol.