3D Scanning System for Accurate Part Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current two-dimensional (2D) camera imaging technologies struggle to accurately and efficiently identify and distinguish between various parts due to lack of depth information, ambiguity in object size, and sensitivity to environmental factors, making it difficult for non-experts to identify repair parts in industries with rapidly evolving product lines.
Innovation Solution
A 3D scanning system that creates comprehensive digital catalogs of object scans, allowing users to scan parts with mobile devices or dedicated scanners, and uses hierarchical, holistic, and feature-based methods for accurate recognition, overcoming limitations of 2D imaging by capturing true object shape and size in real-world units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 2D camera imaging is used for part identification, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot accurately capture depth information and object size, leading to poor identification accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D camera imaging to 3D scanning technology, adding the depth dimension to capture complete spatial information of parts. This dimensional upgrade enables accurate measurement of part geometry, size, and shape, resolving the identification accuracy problem while maintaining system simplicity through modern 3D scanning devices.
2Loss of information
If 2D projection images are used, then the imaging process is fast and simple, but depth information is lost and absolute scale cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures 3D spatial coordinates (x, y, z) instead of 2D projections, preserving depth information and absolute scale. Modern 3D scanning technologies can acquire complete spatial data in seconds, eliminating the time loss while preventing information loss about part geometry and dimensions.
3Reliability
If 2D photographs are used for part recognition, then the system is easy to implement, but environmental factors like lighting and perspective cause measurement variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical imaging (2D photography) with 3D scanning technology that directly measures spatial coordinates. This substitution eliminates sensitivity to lighting conditions, camera settings, and perspective effects, providing consistent and reliable measurements without requiring environmental control.
4Measurement precision
If expert knowledge is required for part identification, then accurate identification can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires extensive training
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic part identification through 3D scanning and pattern matching algorithms, allowing non-experts to identify parts by simply scanning them. The computer vision system performs the identification task that previously required expert knowledge, making the system self-sufficient and easy to operate without extensive training.
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method deal with three-dimensional (3D) scanning technology which produces object representations which permit rapid, highly-accurate part identification which is not afforded by traditional two-dimensional (2D) camera imaging. The system and method are applicable to any field wherein repair/replacement parts are needed, such as the plumbing, automotive, fastener, marine, window, door, etc. fields.