3D Model Data Generation Using Hierarchical Boundary Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing three-dimensional model data from real objects using multiple cameras are inefficient due to significant processing requirements and accumulation of errors when imaging conditions vary, leading to inaccuracies in object recognition.

Innovation Solution

A model producing apparatus and program that generate three-dimensional model data by hierarchically defining boundary points, segments, and boundary lines from design data, allowing for real-time updates and removal of unnecessary elements, and displaying the object and model side by side for editing, thereby reducing errors and improving recognition accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If three-dimensional model is produced by imaging real object from multiple directions, then three-dimensional model data can be acquired, but significant processing amount is required and errors accumulate when imaging conditions vary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional information accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses design data (CAD data) as a digital copy of the object instead of physically imaging the real object from multiple directions. This copying approach eliminates the need for complex multi-angle imaging and processing while maintaining accurate three-dimensional model data, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If segment-based stereo measurement is used to divide edges into segments, then three-dimensional information on outline can be acquired, but errors accumulate when imaging conditions vary temporally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidmodel accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by using pre-existing design data that already contains accurate boundary line information. Instead of performing segment-based stereo measurement during operation (which accumulates errors when conditions vary), the boundary lines are predetermined from design data, ensuring consistent accuracy regardless of temporal variations in imaging conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If multiple cameras are used to image object from different directions, then three-dimensional information can be restored, but processing time and computational resources increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional information completenessVSAvoidmodel production time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential boundary line information from design data to create the three-dimensional model, rather than processing complete multi-directional image data from multiple cameras. This extraction approach maintains three-dimensional information completeness while dramatically reducing processing time and computational resource requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8825452B2Model producing apparatus, model producing method, and computer-readable recording medium in which model producing program is stored

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 OMRON CORP

AI summary

A three-dimensional model data producing processing apparatus produces three-dimensional model data using design data (CAD data) of an object to be recognized. The three-dimensional model data producing processing includes processing conversion processing, edit processing, and teaching processing. The conversion processing and the edit processing are performed to the design data on a computer. The teaching processing is performed in a practical environment. It is not necessary to image a workpiece model in the three-dimensional model data producing processing.