Using a zoom camera to identify object and laser to track

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mechanics of a mosquito-killing laser system developed by Intellectual Ventures Lab, which utilizes a zoom camera to identify mosquitoes and directs a green laser to track them. The system requires knowledge of the relative positions of the camera and laser, as well as the camera's pointing angle. A coordinate rotation matrix is employed to calculate the necessary laser angle based on the camera's orientation. However, a critical challenge remains in determining the distance to the target object, which is essential for accurate laser targeting.

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  • Understanding of coordinate rotation matrices
  • Knowledge of camera and laser positioning systems
  • Familiarity with angular measurement techniques
  • Basic principles of object tracking technology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research coordinate rotation matrices in depth
  • Explore camera-laser alignment techniques
  • Study distance measurement methods for object tracking
  • Investigate advanced object tracking algorithms
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Engineers, researchers, and developers involved in robotics, laser technology, and object tracking systems will benefit from this discussion.

william1234
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Hey

You may have seen the mosquito killing laser system from the intellectual ventures lab.

In the description of the system they say the zoom camera identifies an object (mosquito) and from that they are able to direct a green laser on it and track it.

What I am wondering is how the system is able to go from identifying an object with a camera to actually know where to point the laser. This can be up to 100 feet away !

Any help would be greatly appreciated !
 
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You need to know a few things: the location of the camera and laser relative to each other and the ability to measure the pointing angle of the camera.

After you identify the mosquito, you measure the pointing angle of the camera. You then use a coordinate rotation matrix to calculate what the pointing angle of the laser needs to be to point at the same object at which the camera is looking.
 
Thank you for your answer.

But how can you come up with any angle for the laser if you don't know the distance to the object ?
 

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