Composite Image Generation for Multi-Sided Object Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine vision systems struggle to efficiently capture and analyze images of objects that are larger than the field of view or are moving relative to the imaging device, particularly in capturing multiple sides of an object effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for generating images of multiple sides of an object by receiving information about the 3D pose of the object, capturing images using multiple image sensors, mapping 3D object surfaces to 2D image areas, associating image portions with object surfaces, and generating composite images of the object surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a single image sensor is used to capture an object, then the device complexity is low, but the image coverage and resolution are insufficient for objects larger than the field of view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage coverage areaVSAvoidnumber of image sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the imaging task into multiple segments by using multiple image sensors, each capturing a specific portion of the object. This allows the entire object to be covered without requiring a single complex sensor with excessively wide field of view, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage area and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from 2D image capture to 3D spatial understanding by incorporating depth information from the dimensioning system. This enables intelligent selection and stitching of images from multiple sensors based on the object's three-dimensional pose, achieving comprehensive coverage while managing sensor complexity through spatial optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple images are captured to cover the entire object, then the image coverage is improved, but the processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of object surfacesVSAvoidimage processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing the object's 3D pose information using the dimensioning system before image processing. This pre-acquired spatial information is used to guide the selection and stitching of images, significantly reducing the computational time required compared to processing all captured images without such guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the 3D pose information from the dimensioning system continuously guides the image capture and processing workflow. This real-time feedback enables intelligent selection of relevant images and optimizes the stitching process, reducing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If images are captured from multiple angles to show all sides of an object, then the completeness of object representation is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of object surface informationVSAvoidcoordination of multiple image sensors and dimensioning system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating a dimensioning system that serves dual purposes: it provides depth information for 3D pose determination and simultaneously guides the image capture process. This universal component reduces the need for separate complex coordination systems while ensuring complete object surface information is captured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If high-resolution images are captured of the entire object, then the image resolution is improved, but the field of view requirement becomes unrealistic for large objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidfield of view
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the high-resolution imaging task across multiple sensors, each capturing a detailed portion of the object within their respective field of view. This allows maintaining high resolution for each captured region while collectively covering the entire large object, resolving the contradiction between resolution and field of view requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250200868A1Methods, systems, and media for generating images of multiple sides of an object
Publication Date: 2025.06.19 COGNEX CORP
  • US20250200868A1 patent drawing
  • US20250200868A1 patent drawing
  • US20250200868A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, methods, systems, and media for generating images of multiple sides of an object are provided. In some embodiments, a method comprises receiving information indicative of a 3D pose of a first object in a first coordinate space at a first time; receiving a group of images captured using at least one image sensor, each image associated with a field of view within the first coordinate space; mapping at least a portion of a surface of the first object to a 2D area with respect to the image based on the 3D pose of the first object; associating, for images including the surface, a portion of that image with the surface of the first object based on the 2D area; and generating a composite image of the surface using images associated with the surface.