How Computers Track the Position and Angle of Multiple Objects
A method for using multiple cameras to track the exact location and orientation of many similar objects in a 3D space, even when they overlap.
Original patent title: “Estimation method, estimation apparatus and program”
A method for using multiple cameras to track the exact location and orientation of many similar objects in a 3D space, even when they overlap. Granted to Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp in 2025 with 23 claims.
Key facts
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes a system that uses multiple cameras to observe a 3D space containing several similar objects. First, it identifies 'representative points' for each object in the camera images. It then calculates where those objects are in 3D space by comparing these points across different camera angles. Finally, it uses a pre-trained machine learning model to estimate the 'attitude'—or the specific angle and orientation—of each object by combining its calculated position with visual features like the shape of the object in the image.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover systems that use only a single camera to estimate 3D position.
- Does not cover object tracking methods that rely on depth sensors like LiDAR or Time-of-Flight cameras.
- Does not cover tracking systems that require objects to have unique visual markers or QR codes.
- Does not cover methods that do not use a regression model to estimate the final object orientation.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
What made this novel
The system handles overlapping objects by assigning 'predetermined values' to features when images overlap, effectively telling the machine learning model to ignore the corrupted visual data and rely on the known spatial position instead.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Automated robotic assembly lines
Warehouse sorting systems for identical items
Multi-camera computer vision for manufacturing quality control
Why it matters
The bigger picture
In industrial robotics and automated manufacturing, tracking multiple identical parts (like screws or automotive components) moving on a conveyor belt is difficult. This technology helps robots 'see' exactly how an object is tilted or rotated, which is essential for picking it up correctly. It provides a mathematical way to handle the common problem where one object blocks another from the camera's view.
Filed
December 10, 2019
Granted
January 28, 2025
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) is the primary developer. This technology is being integrated into industrial automation and smart factory solutions where high-precision robotic manipulation of parts is required.
Market impact
This patent provides a technical framework for improving the reliability of robotic vision in crowded environments. It helps reduce the need for specialized lighting or complex mechanical jigs to separate parts, potentially lowering the cost of deploying robotic arms in flexible manufacturing settings.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes a system that uses multiple cameras to observe a 3D space containing several similar objects. First, it identifies 'representative points' for each object in the camera images. It then calculates where those objects are in 3D space by comparing these points across different camera angles. Finally, it uses a pre-trained machine learning model to estimate the 'attitude'—or the specific angle and orientation—of each object by combining its calculated position with visual features like the shape of the object in the image.
The clever bit
The system handles overlapping objects by assigning 'predetermined values' to features when images overlap, effectively telling the machine learning model to ignore the corrupted visual data and rely on the known spatial position instead.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover systems that use only a single camera to estimate 3D position.
- Does not cover object tracking methods that rely on depth sensors like LiDAR or Time-of-Flight cameras.
- Does not cover tracking systems that require objects to have unique visual markers or QR codes.
- Does not cover methods that do not use a regression model to estimate the final object orientation.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
15/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$31K – $100K
Midpoint $62K · 13.5 yr remaining · industry ×1.6
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
The original legal language
Original claims
23 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Mizutani, S. (2025). How Computers Track the Position and Angle of Multiple Objects (U.S. Patent No. 12,211,234). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12211234/rapid-iterative-development
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How Computers Track the Position and Angle of Multiple Objects cover?
A method for using multiple cameras to track the exact location and orientation of many similar objects in a 3D space, even when they overlap.
Who owns patent US 12211234?
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp owns this patent, granted in 2025.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on January 28, 2045, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
In industrial robotics and automated manufacturing, tracking multiple identical parts (like screws or automotive components) moving on a conveyor belt is difficult. This technology helps robots 'see' exactly how an object is tilted or rotated, which is essential for picking it up correctly. It provides a mathematical way to handle the common problem where one object blocks another from the camera's view.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover systems that use only a single camera to estimate 3D position.
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