Automated Measurement of Physical Structures Using Image and Inertial Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring physical structures and environments are inconsistent and prone to errors due to user involvement, and they struggle with occluded or occupied areas.
Innovation Solution
The development of computer programs that utilize image data from cameras and inertial data from motion sensors to automatically generate measurements of physical structures and environments, including dimensions, angles, and square footage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional implements (tape measures, yard sticks) are used for measurement, then the measurement process is simple and direct, but the measurements are inconsistent and prone to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement implements (tape measures, yard sticks) with an automated computer vision system that uses image processing algorithms to detect features and calculate measurements. This substitution eliminates user error and inconsistency while maintaining measurement functionality through automated feature detection and geometric calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-measurement by automatically capturing images, detecting features, and calculating dimensions without requiring user intervention for the actual measurement process. The system serves itself by using its own camera and processor to generate accurate measurements autonomously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional implements are used, then the device is simple to use, but it cannot measure occluded or occupied areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear measurement (tape measure along a straight line) to two-dimensional image-based measurement, allowing capture of occluded and occupied areas through the additional spatial dimension provided by camera imaging. This enables measurement of complex geometries that linear implements cannot access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (image) of the physical space, allowing measurement of areas that are occluded or occupied by temporarily capturing the scene optically. The image copy preserves geometric information that can be analyzed even when physical access is blocked.
3Ease of operation
If computer programs with user interaction are used, then convenience is improved, but user error increases leading to incorrect measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the error-prone user interaction components (manual bound indication, reference measurement input) from the measurement process, retaining only the essential image capture function. By removing the steps where user errors occur, the system maintains convenience while eliminating accuracy degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces user-based measurement input (manual indication and data entry) with automated computer vision-based feature detection and calculation. This substitution maintains the convenience of digital measurement while eliminating user error through algorithmic objectivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Introduced here computer programs and associated computer-implemented techniques for generating measurements of physical structures and environments in an automated matter through analysis of data that is generated by one or more sensors included in a computing device. This can be accomplished by combining insights that are derived through analysis different types of data that are generated, computed, or otherwise obtained by a computing device. For instance, a computer program may enable or facilitate measurement of arbitrary dimensions, angles, and square footage of a physical structure based on (i) images generated by an image sensor included in the corresponding computing device and (ii) measurements generated by an inertial sensor included in the corresponding computing device.