3D Shape Measuring Apparatus Top View Map Definition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Triangulation-type three-dimensional shape measuring apparatuses face challenges in defining a three-dimensional measurement area accurately from a two-dimensional image captured obliquely downward, making it difficult to properly delineate the measurement area.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a stage with a placement surface, an illuminator, a photoreceptor, and a mount that inclines the optical axes of the illuminator and photoreceptor to face the measurement area obliquely downward, generating point cloud data and a top view map image to facilitate easy definition of the measurement area, allowing users to grasp the entire shape of the measurement object and define the measurement area effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the photoreceptor captures an image on the stage in an oblique downward direction, then the robustness against external environment change such as resistance to vibration is improved, but the ability to easily define a three-dimensional measurement area based on the captured image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a top view map image as an intermediary representation between the oblique captured image and the measurement area definition. This top view map, generated from point cloud data, provides a planar overhead view that facilitates easy measurement area selection while the actual measurement continues to use the oblique photoreceptor configuration for vibration robustness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copied representation (top view map image) of the measurement object from the point cloud data. This copied overhead view allows users to easily define measurement areas without requiring direct interpretation of the oblique perspective image, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining oblique imaging for stability and enabling easy area definition
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 configuration enables users to easily define and visualize the measurement area, improving the accuracy and efficiency of three-dimensional shape measurements by providing a top view map image that represents the measurement object's plan view, allowing for precise measurement area definition and inclusion of large objects within the field of view.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminator that illuminates the measurement object, which is placed on the stage, with measuring light having a predetermined pattern; a photoreceptor that receives the measuring light which is reflected from the measurement object illuminated by the illuminator
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional shape measuring apparatus includes a fixer that fixes an illuminator and a photoreceptor to produce a measurement area to be illuminated with measuring light above a stage and to incline their optical axes with respect to a placement surface of the stage in an orientation in which the illuminator and the photoreceptor face the measurement area obliquely downward; a point cloud data generator that generates point cloud data as a set of points including three-dimensional position information representing a three-dimensional shape of a measurement object placed on the stage based on light-reception signals provided by the photoreceptor; a top view map image generator that generates a top view map image representing a plan view of the measurement object as viewed downward from a position right above the measurement object based on the point cloud data; and a display that displays the top view map image.