Angular Sensor Array for 3D Shape Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D acquisition techniques, such as laser triangulation and stereoscopic video camera methods, are expensive, complex, and require external equipment, making them unsuitable for efficient and cost-effective acquisition of warped shapes and non-rigid objects.
Innovation Solution
A method using angular sensors distributed on a curve or surface, with signal processing to determine point coordinates, and a deformable support to match the shape, allowing for the reconstruction of geometric shapes with a large number of measurement points, including hundreds or thousands, using micro or nanotechnologies to minimize weight and maintain mechanical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser triangulation or stereoscopic video camera methods are used for 3D acquisition, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical-mechanical systems (laser triangulation, stereoscopic cameras) with a simplified system based on angular sensors that measure orientation angles directly. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement capability by using sensors that output signals representative of orientation rather than requiring complex image processing and reconstruction algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex 3D acquisition systems. Instead of using entire laser triangulation or stereoscopic systems, it isolates the core function of measuring spatial orientation by placing angular sensors directly on the object, eliminating unnecessary components like lasers, cameras, and complex reconstruction algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If external equipment is used for 3D acquisition, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex setup and reconstruction processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the object itself to serve as the measurement platform by placing sensors directly on it. The sensors attached to the object's surface or embedded within it automatically measure the object's own geometry as the object moves or deforms, eliminating the need for external equipment and complex setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using external equipment to measure the object from outside, the patent inverts the approach by placing sensors on the object itself. The object becomes the carrier of the measurement system, and the sensors measure the object's geometry intrinsically rather than extrinsically, greatly simplifying operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional sensor manufacturing is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision and adaptability deteriorate due to sensor weight affecting material characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of sensor size and weight through microtechnologies and nanotechnologies. By miniaturizing sensors to micro or nanoscale, their weight becomes negligible compared to the total weight of the device, allowing them to be integrated into materials without affecting mechanical characteristics while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using micro/nanosensors that are so small their impact on local material properties is negligible. The sensors can be distributed throughout the material or structure without altering its overall mechanical behavior, enabling precise local measurements while preserving global material characteristics.
4Adaptability or versatility
If microtechnologies or nanotechnologies are used for sensor manufacturing, then measurement precision and adaptability are improved through negligible sensor weight, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by creating a platform technology where micro/nanosensors can be applied across diverse fields (automobile bodywork, aircraft wings, flexible materials, laminar flow studies). The same basic sensor platform and measurement principle can be adapted to different applications by simply changing the sensor distribution pattern and measurement protocol, offsetting the manufacturing complexity through broad reusability.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the invention, a set of sensors (4a) is placed on this shape (curve or surface), each sensor outputting signals representative of the orientation of the curve or the surface at the location of this sensor; a model of the curve or the surface is chosen; model parameters are determined from the signals; and the spatial distribution of the points on the geometric shape are determined using these parameters. The invention particularly applies to machining, joinery, masonry, and building domains.