Visual Feedback Control With Template-Based Accuracy Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visual feedback controllers struggle to determine the accuracy of measurement positions obtained through image processing, making it difficult to assess their suitability for mechanical devices requiring high positioning accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A visual feedback controller is designed to include a camera for capturing images of a target object, a template image storage unit for storing pre-captured template images, an image processing unit for measuring the actual position of the target object with subpixel accuracy, and a drive command generation unit to control the positioning of a machine tip. Additionally, an error compensation control unit and a template image analysis unit are included to compensate for errors and calculate the measurement accuracy of the image processing results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image processing is used to measure position with subpixel accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability of the measurement accuracy assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the template image analysis unit continuously analyzes the template image and provides feedback on measurement accuracy assessment to the image processing unit. This allows the system to dynamically adjust and improve measurement reliability by using the analyzed template information to validate and refine position measurements, ensuring that subpixel accuracy assessments are reliable and consistent.
Solution Approach 2:
The template image analysis unit serves as an intermediary between the image processing unit and the measurement accuracy assessment. It analyzes the template image to extract features and provide intermediate results that help evaluate measurement accuracy, bridging the gap between raw image processing and reliable accuracy assessment without directly compromising measurement precision.
2Reliability
If template image analysis is added to calculate measurement accuracy, then reliability of accuracy assessment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The template image analysis unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it analyzes the template image, assesses measurement accuracy, and provides feedback for improvement. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional unit, the patent avoids the need for multiple separate components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the template image analysis capability with the existing image processing and measurement systems. Rather than adding completely separate analysis and assessment subsystems, the template image analysis unit is integrated into the workflow, combining template analysis, measurement assessment, and feedback functions in a unified structure that minimizes overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A visual feedback controller includes: a camera that outputs a target object image; a template image storage unit that stores a template image; an image processing unit that uses the target object image and the template image to measure an actual position of a target object with subpixel accuracy, and outputs the measured actual position as an image processing measurement value; a drive command generation unit that generates a drive command signal; an error compensation control unit that compensates an error of the drive command signal using the image processing measurement value and generates a drive compensation signal; a machine drive unit that changes a position of a machine tip relative to the target object based on the drive compensation signal; and a template image analysis unit that analyzes the template image, calculates measurement accuracy of the image processing measurement value, and outputs the calculated measurement accuracy.