Camera-Based Tool Positioning Using Structural Feature Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the position of an inspection instrument relative to a structure require manual installation of physical markers, which is impractical for large or hard-to-access structures, such as commercial aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A tool positioning system using two or more cameras that capture images of a structure from unique viewing perspectives, comparing them to an as-designed digital model to recognize structural features and define a geometric relationship, thereby establishing the tool's position without the need for physical markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical markers or targets are manually installed on the structure to determine the position of the inspection instrument, then the position can be accurately determined, but the process becomes impractical for large or hard-to-access structures and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from physical markers and implements it through digital features already present on the structure. Instead of adding physical targets to the structure, the system uses the structure's existing geometric features (edges, corners, surfaces) captured by cameras to establish position, eliminating the need for manual marker installation while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the structure's geometry through photogrammetry using multiple camera images. This digital model with identified features serves as a virtual reference system that replaces physical markers, allowing position determination through image processing and feature matching without requiring physical objects to be attached to the structure
2Measurement precision
If physical markers are installed on multiple regions of a large structure, then complete coverage for positioning can be achieved, but the time and resources required become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing multiple images of the structure from different viewpoints before positioning the inspection instrument. The digital model and feature database are created in advance from these images, allowing the instrument to be positioned immediately upon image capture without requiring subsequent manual marker installation or time-consuming setup procedures
3Measurement precision
If manual installation of physical targets is required, then positioning can be established, but the complexity of the inspection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical markers and manual installation with an optical and computational system. Multiple cameras capture images that are processed through photogrammetry algorithms to create a digital model and identify features automatically. This substitution eliminates the mechanical complexity of marker installation while maintaining or improving positioning accuracy through digital image processing
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool positioning system comprises a processor and two or more cameras. The cameras are includable with a tool that is spaced apart from a structure. Each camera is configured to capture an image of a local region of the structure from a unique viewing perspective. The processor compares the images to an as-designed digital model of the structure and recognize one or more structural features that appear in every image. In addition, the processor extracts a nominal three-dimensional location of the one or more structural features from the as-designed digital model, and define a geometric relationship between the cameras and the structure based on the nominal three-dimensional location of the one or more structural features, to thereby establish the position of the tool relative to the structure.