Anchor Position Verification Using Camera Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for ensuring that anchors meet safety requirements, such as minimum distances to other anchors and construction site edges, are difficult to implement accurately, especially in challenging environments like overhead work, due to measurement errors from non-perpendicular viewing and parallax issues.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a camera, output unit, storage unit, and microprocessor is used to determine anchor positions relative to construction site objects, employing image processing and depth sensors to measure distances with high accuracy, and provide feedback on anchor fit and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual measurement using a length measuring device is used to check anchor position, then the measurement process can be performed with simple equipment, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to viewing angle errors and parallax effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement devices with an optical measurement system using a camera and image processing. The camera captures images of the anchor and construction site object, and software algorithms automatically calculate distances and positions, eliminating the need for physical measuring tools and manual readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that processes images between the camera and the final measurement result. Image processing algorithms serve as mediators to extract geometric information from images, calculate real-world distances, and determine compliance with minimum distance requirements, bridging the gap between optical capture and measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If image processing is used to determine anchor position and distance, then measurement accuracy improves to below 0.5 cm, but device complexity increases due to camera and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical construction site through camera imaging. Instead of directly measuring physical distances, the system captures an optical copy (image) of the scene and performs all measurements on this digital representation, simplifying the physical device while maintaining measurement capability through computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms spatial measurement parameters from the physical domain to the digital domain. By converting real-world distances into pixel coordinates through camera imaging, and then applying geometric transformations and calibration factors, the system changes the parameter representation to enable accurate measurement without complex physical measurement apparatus.
3Measurement precision
If multiple recordings from different perspectives are used to eliminate parallax errors, then measurement accuracy improves, but the time required for measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration and setup of the measurement system before actual anchor position verification. The camera is calibrated with known reference objects, and measurement parameters are pre-configured, allowing rapid single-shot measurements during construction without requiring multiple perspective recordings for each measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated image processing and measurement calculation systems that perform all analysis without human intervention. The software automatically detects anchor positions, calculates distances, determines compliance with minimum requirements, and generates results, eliminating time-consuming manual measurement and calculation processes.
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
Enables secure anchor setting and rapid quality assurance, ensuring compliance with safety standards by providing precise distance measurements and enabling correction or repositioning of anchors as needed, with an accuracy of less than 0.5 cm.
Implementation Method 1
at least one camera... One or more recordings can be recorded by the camera
Implementation Method 2
The camera can have one or more time-of-flight-based depth sensors, for example
Implementation Method 3
the program code can be configured to determine the distance by means of image processing
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system for the position determination of an anchor position relative to a construction site object. Via program code, the computer system identifies at least one type of a first anchor, and a camera, to determine a distance between a first anchor position of the first anchor on a construction site object and/or for the first anchor and a position of a second anchor on the construction site object, for a second anchor on the construction site object and/or to an edge of the construction site object, and via an output unit, to output a signal and/or to store a signal in the storage unit, the signal being indicative of whether the distance at least corresponds to a defined target distance. A method is also provided. The invention facilitates proper setting of the first anchor and also checking as to whether the first anchor has been properly set.