3D Surface Estimation for Accurate Curved Surface Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope devices struggle to accurately estimate reference surfaces, particularly for curved surfaces, leading to inaccurate measurements of defects and damages in industrial inspections.
Innovation Solution
A surface estimation method and device that sets a reference region, either three-dimensional or two-dimensional, based on three or more points forming triangles, using point-cloud data to estimate a surface that approximates the subject's surface, improving accuracy by minimizing bias on planes or straight lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a plane or curved surface is used as a reference surface for measurement, then the measurement function can be executed, but the accuracy of surface estimation deteriorates for curved surfaces due to bias toward planes or straight lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image plane reference surfaces to three-dimensional spatial reference surfaces. By setting reference regions in 3D space and using multiple points that form triangles, the system creates reference surfaces that accurately represent curved subject surfaces rather than forcing them into planar approximations, thereby resolving the accuracy-reliability contradiction for curved surface measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for reference surface definition from simple 2D image coordinates to 3D spatial coordinates with triangular point configurations. This parameter transformation enables the reference surface to adapt to curved geometries, improving both measurement precision and estimation reliability simultaneously
2Ease of operation
If three or more points are designated on a two-dimensional image to estimate a reference surface, then the surface-based measurement can be performed, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to the limitation of two-dimensional representation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the 2D point designation operation by calculating corresponding 3D coordinates for the designated points. This dimensionality upgrade allows the system to maintain ease of operation (users still click on 2D images) while achieving 3D measurement precision, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and measurement accuracy
3Device complexity
If a reference surface is estimated on the basis of points that may include collinear or coplanar configurations, then the estimation process can be simplified, but the accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient triangular formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically requiring triangular configurations of points in 3D space for reference surface estimation. This local structural requirement ensures that the reference surface has sufficient geometric definition to accurately represent curved surfaces, while the overall process remains manageable through automated point selection and validation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embraces curvature by using 3D point configurations that can form triangular surfaces capable of representing curved geometries. This approach accepts increased computational complexity as necessary to achieve accurate curved surface approximation, resolving the contradiction between process simplicity and estimation precision
Data Source
AI summary
A surface estimation method includes a region-setting step and an estimation step. In the region-setting step, a reference region that is one of a three-dimensional region and a two-dimensional region is set. The three-dimensional region includes three or more points and is set in a three-dimensional space. The three-dimensional space includes three-dimensional coordinates of three or more points on a subject calculated on the basis of a two-dimensional image of the subject. The three-dimensional coordinates of the three or more points are included in three-dimensional image data. The two-dimensional region includes three or more points and is set in the two-dimensional image. In the estimation step, a reference surface that approximates a surface of the subject is estimated on the basis of three or more points of the three-dimensional image data corresponding to the three or more points included in the reference region.