Computer vision-based object tracking system
First Claim
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1. A computer-implemented method of utilizing a camera device to track an object, the method comprising:
- utilizing the camera device in a detection mode to detect movement of a point light source associated with the object within an overall image sensing area, the camera device having a first frame acquisition rate in the detection mode;
switching from the detection mode to a tracking mode in response to the detected movement;
determining a potential range of movement of the point light source based on a location of the detected movement and a given time period for potential movement of the point light source;
determining boundaries of a region of interest within the overall image sensing area based at least in part upon the determined potential range of movement of the point light source, wherein the boundaries of the region of interest define an area that is less than the overall image sensing area in the detection mode; and
utilizing the camera device in the tracking mode, in which a frame acquisition rate of the camera device is increased to a second frame acquisition rate that is higher than the first frame acquisition rate in the detection mode, to track the point light source within the determined boundaries of the region of interest.
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Abstract
A computer-implemented method for utilizing a camera device to track an object is presented. As part of the method, a region of interest is determined within an overall image sensing area. A point light source is then tracked within the region of interest. In a particular arrangement, the camera device incorporates CMOS image sensor technology and the point light source is an IR LED. Other embodiments pertain to manipulations of the region of interest to accommodate changes to the status of the point light source.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method of utilizing a camera device to track an object, the method comprising:
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utilizing the camera device in a detection mode to detect movement of a point light source associated with the object within an overall image sensing area, the camera device having a first frame acquisition rate in the detection mode; switching from the detection mode to a tracking mode in response to the detected movement; determining a potential range of movement of the point light source based on a location of the detected movement and a given time period for potential movement of the point light source; determining boundaries of a region of interest within the overall image sensing area based at least in part upon the determined potential range of movement of the point light source, wherein the boundaries of the region of interest define an area that is less than the overall image sensing area in the detection mode; and utilizing the camera device in the tracking mode, in which a frame acquisition rate of the camera device is increased to a second frame acquisition rate that is higher than the first frame acquisition rate in the detection mode, to track the point light source within the determined boundaries of the region of interest. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A computer vision-based object tracking system, the system comprising:
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a point light emitting device that is operable to produce light and associated with an object such that the point light emitting device moves when the object moves; and a camera device configured to receive the light produced by the point light emitting device to track the object, by tracking the point light emitting device within a region of interest that is less than an overall image sensing area, the overall image sensing area comprising a field-of-view of the camera device and the region of interest being a portion of the camera device field-of-view, wherein boundaries of the region of interest are actively adjusted based on a potential range of movement of the point light emitting device, to change a size of the region of interest in response to at least some movement of the point light emitting device the potential range of movement being determined based at least in part on a location of the point light emitting device and a time period for potential movement of the point light emitting device. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A computer-implemented method of utilizing a camera device having a field of vision oriented toward a surface to track an object having a point light source and a switch configured to control the point light source, the method comprising:
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adjusting a characteristic of a region of interest based on a characteristic of the point light source, wherein the region of interest is a region within an overall image sensing area, and a frame acquisition rate of the camera device varies as a function of a size of the region of interest; automatically activating the point light source using the switch in response to at least a portion of the object contacting the surface, wherein at least a portion of the light from the activated point light source passes through the surface to the camera device; and utilizing the camera device to view the activated point light source through the surface while adjusting the characteristic of the region of interest. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification