3D Measurement Image Integration for Low-Texture Distance Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional measuring apparatuses face challenges in rapidly calculating distance points due to high computational loads, which prolongs the takt time in assembly and inspection processes in factory production lines, especially when dealing with subjects having little texture.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional measuring apparatus that integrates information from both active and passive measurements by generating integrated images or evaluation values, allowing the processing unit to calculate distance values using these integrated images or evaluation values, thereby reducing computational requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If both active measurements and passive measurements are performed to achieve high measurement precision, then measurement precision is improved, but computational load increases and calculation time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance value precisionVSAvoidcalculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement process into two distinct modes: active measurement mode (projecting patterns onto the subject) and passive measurement mode (capturing images without projection). The processing unit selectively performs only one type of measurement based on subject characteristics, dividing the overall measurement task into separable operational segments that can be executed independently rather than always performing both complete measurement sequences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary measurement type rather than always executing both active and passive measurements. For subjects with sufficient texture, only passive measurement is performed. For subjects lacking texture, only active measurement is performed. This partial execution of measurement actions reduces computational load while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for each specific case

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Adaptability or versatility

If both active measurements and passive measurements are performed to enable stereo measurements for subjects with little texture, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capability for various subjectsVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability through automatic measurement mode selection. The processing unit dynamically adjusts the measurement approach based on real-time analysis of subject characteristics (texture presence). This dynamic switching between active and passive measurement modes provides versatility for different subject types while keeping processing complexity manageable by avoiding unnecessary computational steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter (projection state) based on subject characteristics. When subjects lack sufficient texture, the system changes from passive measurement mode to active measurement mode by projecting patterns onto the subject. This parameter change enables measurement capability for diverse subjects while maintaining efficient processing by adapting to each subject's specific requirements rather than using a fixed complex procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables faster calculation of distance values compared to traditional methods, enhancing processing efficiency and reducing takt time in factory production lines by maintaining key features from both active and passive measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a projection unit that projects a pattern onto a subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of image capturing units that capture images of the subject from mutually different points of view

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection and detection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

measure the distance point using the principle of triangulation based on parallax information for the corresponding points

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriangulation and parallax: Parallax

Data Source

PatentEP4332499A1Three-dimensional measuring apparatus, three-dimensional measuring method, storage medium, system, and method for manufacturing an article
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 CANON KK
  • EP4332499A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4332499A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4332499A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A three-dimensional measuring apparatus includes a projection unit that projects a pattern onto a subject, a plurality of image capturing units that capture images of the subject from mutually different points of view, and a processing unit that calculates a distance value to the subject by performing association using image groups captured of the subject by the plurality of image capturing units, wherein the processing unit integrates information based on a first image group that was captured by projecting the pattern onto the subject, and information based on a second image group that was captured without projecting the pattern onto the subject, into integrated images or evaluation values to be used during the association such that features of the images from both the first image group and the second image group remain, and calculates the distance value using the integrated images that have been integrated or the evaluation values.