Robot Image Capture Control for Changing Light and Weather
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing methods for mobile robots fail to account for variations in image capturing conditions due to environmental factors like weather and time of day, leading to images that are difficult to interpret.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that stores reference images captured under different conditions and adjusts image capturing conditions based on these references to ensure clear images are obtained regardless of environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If image capturing conditions are taught in advance, then the image capturing process is simplified and can be executed automatically, but the captured images may vary in quality due to environmental factors like weather and time of day
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores multiple reference images showing different appearances of the target object under various environmental conditions (different times of day, weather conditions, lighting scenarios). This preliminary preparation enables the robot to automatically select the most appropriate reference image during execution, ensuring consistent image quality without manual intervention for each capturing scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of image capturing conditions (such as exposure time, gain, white balance) based on the selected reference image that best matches the current environment. By adjusting these parameters dynamically while maintaining automated operation, the system ensures reliable and consistent image quality across varying environmental conditions
2Productivity
If the robot captures images at fixed inspection points, then the inspection process is efficient and systematic, but images may be captured in difficult-to-interpret manners depending on environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reference images are pre-stored for each inspection point, capturing the target object's appearance under various environmental conditions. This allows the system to maintain efficient fixed-point inspection while ensuring interpretable images by selecting the best matching reference
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and stores multiple copies of reference images showing the target object from the same inspection point but under different environmental conditions. During inspection, the system copies the most appropriate reference image characteristics to guide the current capture, ensuring interpretability while maintaining inspection efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus for controlling an image capturing process for a robot that moves in a predetermined site to capture an image of a target object. The information processing apparatus includes a memory that stores a plurality of reference images that are captured images of the target object installed in the site, the captured images being obtained at a specific image capturing position and showing different appearances of the target object, such that each of the plurality of reference images is associated with an image capturing condition of the target object. Further, there is an image capturing control unit that captures an image of the target object by using the robot moved to the specific image capturing position, and an image capturing condition setting unit that sets an image capturing condition of the target object, based on the captured image of the target object and the stored reference images.