Single-Camera Distance Ranging via Lateral Shift Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile terminal distance ranging methods require additional optical components like dual cameras or laser heads, which complicate the device structure and design, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for single-camera distance ranging without additional components.
Innovation Solution
A single-camera distance ranging method that utilizes existing mobile terminal image processing and movement perception functions to calculate distance by tracking the target object's display width changes and translation distance, with optional posture monitoring to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dual-camera method or laser head is used for distance ranging, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single camera perform distance ranging function by itself through computational methods. The camera captures images at different positions, and the system calculates distance based on object size changes in the images, eliminating the need for dedicated ranging components like dual cameras or laser heads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical mechanical systems (dual-camera parallax system or laser ranging system) with a computational approach using a single camera. Instead of using optical geometry or laser time-of-flight, the system uses image processing and mathematical calculations based on object apparent size changes to determine distance.
2Measurement precision
If additional optical components are added for distance ranging, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to design changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the single camera to perform multiple functions: both image capture and distance ranging. By processing the captured images with computational algorithms that analyze object size changes across different camera positions, the system achieves distance measurement capability without requiring separate ranging components.
3Device complexity
If single-camera method without additional components is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates compared to dual-camera or laser methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes preliminary actions by capturing multiple images at different known camera positions before performing distance calculation. The system records the camera's position information and object apparent size in each image, then uses this pre-collected data to compute the distance, ensuring sufficient information is available for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the camera's position changes and object size changes in real-time. This feedback information is used to adjust and refine the distance calculation, improving measurement accuracy by accounting for actual movement and optical characteristics.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a method and system for single-camera distance ranging. When a mobile terminal is in camera filming mode, the outer edge of a target object is continuously recognized and tracked. A user orients the mobile terminal toward the target object and moves said terminal laterally; the mobile terminal calculates the distance between the mobile terminal and the target object according to the change in the display width of the target object on a screen or the change in the framing width on a mobile terminal screen and the lateral-shift distance of the mobile terminal. The whole ranging process is completed based on the existing mobile terminal image processing and movement perception functions, thereby making possible single-camera ranging from a mobile terminal with no requirement for additional optical component. Ranging accuracy can be further enhanced with the addition of a posture-monitoring step during the lateral movement of the mobile terminal.