Visual Marker Overlay for Wire Harness Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method to precisely position items at target locations on objects, such as holders for wire harnesses and spot tapes, in a short period of time with high accuracy, which is not efficiently addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving real-time image generation of the environment and superimposition with a marker image to align items accurately, using a digital camera and image processing system, along with an apparatus comprising cameras, controllers, and projectors to project the superimposed image onto a working surface, allowing precise placement of items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning method is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but positioning precision deteriorates and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a marker as an intermediary element that is placed at the target position and used for alignment. The marker serves as a visual reference that mediates between the operator and the target position, enabling precise positioning without requiring complex measurement tools or procedures. The marker is superimposed on the real-time image to provide clear alignment guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the target position by superimposing the marker image onto the real-time captured image. This overlay technique provides a virtual representation of the exact target location, allowing the operator to align the item precisely with the target without physically measuring or calculating coordinates.
2Productivity
If automated positioning system is implemented, then positioning speed and precision are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting the marker's position in the captured image and calculating the transformation parameters. The controller autonomously processes the image data, determines the marker coordinates, and generates the overlay image without requiring external calibration equipment or complex setup procedures. This self-service capability reduces system complexity while maintaining high positioning speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an optical-computational approach. Instead of using precision mechanical stages, motors, or complex actuation mechanisms, the system uses image capture, digital processing, and visual overlay to achieve precise positioning. This substitution dramatically simplifies the hardware while maintaining or improving positioning performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If visual alignment method is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the visual alignment method by adding the temporal dimension through real-time image capture and processing. The system captures live images, processes them immediately, and displays the overlay in real-time, transforming a static visual reference into a dynamic, adaptive guidance system. This allows for precise positioning while keeping equipment costs low, as the enhancement comes from software processing rather than additional expensive hardware.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for positioning an item at a target position of an object comprises the generation of a superimposed image comprising a real-time image of an environment of the target position and a marker. An item may be placed at the target position by aligning the item and the marker.