Calibration Pattern Projection for Large Measurement Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Calibrating large measurement objects with existing systems is cumbersome due to the need for large, expensive, and heavy calibration targets, which are difficult to manufacture and handle, and requires extensive time and labor, while environmental changes during calibration can affect accuracy.

Innovation Solution

Projecting calibration patterns onto a flat surface using a light projector, which allows for relative movement between the projector and the surface, utilizing a beam splitter to generate shifted patterns for material measurement, and incorporating a computer device for triangulation and error correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large calibration target is used to cover the entire measurement range, then calibration accuracy is improved, but the target becomes difficult to manufacture, handle, and becomes very expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration process is divided into multiple smaller calibration areas instead of using one large calibration target. The system projects calibration patterns onto different sections of the measurement range sequentially, allowing each calibration area to be small and easy to manufacture while collectively covering the entire large measurement space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A camera is introduced as an intermediary device to capture images of the calibration patterns projected onto the measurement object. The camera enables indirect measurement of calibration patterns, allowing the system to achieve large-area calibration without requiring a physically large calibration target

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple calibration positions are used to cover the entire measurement area, then calibration coverage is improved, but calibration time and labor requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration coverageVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic projection of calibration patterns onto the measurement object from different positions and angles. Instead of physically moving large calibration targets between positions, the system projects patterns onto the object at various locations and captures images with the camera, enabling flexible coverage of the entire measurement area without manual repositioning of heavy equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration patterns are projected as optical copies onto the measurement object surface. Multiple calibration areas are accessed by projecting identical or varied patterns onto different locations and capturing them with the camera, eliminating the need to physically transport large calibration targets between positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If the calibration target is made robust to achieve required stability and dimensional accuracy, then measurement reliability is improved, but the target becomes correspondingly heavy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional stabilityVSAvoidtarget weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical calibration target with an optical projection system. Instead of using a physical rigid target that must be heavy to maintain stability, the system projects calibration patterns using optical means and captures them with a camera, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical structures while maintaining calibration reliability through optical stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method simplifies calibration by eliminating the need for rigid targets, reduces calibration time, and maintains accuracy by accounting for surface flatness deviations and environmental changes, providing a cost-effective and efficient calibration process for large measurement objects.

Implementation Method 1

various calibration patterns are projected into the detection range of the measuring instrument onto a flat wall or flat surface by means of a light projector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Implementation Method 2

At least two calibration patterns which are laterally spatially displaced relative to one another by a beam offset that provides a standard are generated by means of a polarizer or a beam splitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeam splitting: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

An angular error between the mutually displaced parts can be taken into account during calibration by means of triangulation using a computer device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriangulation: Parallax

Data Source

PatentEP3571465B1Device and method for calibrating a measuring apparatus by means of projected patterns
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3571465B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3571465B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3571465B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for calibrating a measuring apparatus for measuring a measurement object that extends especially over several meters in space, comprising a detection zone covering the entire measurement object. According to said method, various calibration patterns (Mi) are projected into the detection zone of the measuring apparatus onto an even wall or an even surface by means of a light projector.