Contactless Dimensional Measurement Using Reflection and Reference Object
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contactless dimensional measurement systems face challenges when the distance to the measured article is unknown, requiring special equipment like range finders, which is undesirable in applications such as online clothing measurements or slimming assessments where access is limited or the article is in motion.
Innovation Solution
A method using two imaging setups and a reflective surface with a reference object of known dimensions, allowing the measurement of geometrical dimensions without needing to know the distance to the article, by forming and measuring images of reflections and calculating the article's dimensions using optical properties and orientation detectors to compensate for spatial orientation errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If range finders or special equipment are used to measure distance to the article, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distance measurement function from the overall system by using a reference object whose known dimensions serve as a built-in distance reference. This eliminates the need for separate range finders or special distance measurement equipment, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the reference object with known dimensions and uses it as a reference for distance calculation. By capturing images of both the measured article and the reference object copy, the system can calculate distances and dimensions without requiring specialized distance measurement equipment.
2Ease of operation
If contactless measurement is implemented without distance knowledge, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference object with known dimensions as an intermediary element. This reference object serves as a mediator between the imaging system and the measured article, enabling the calculation of distances and dimensions without direct distance measurement, thus maintaining both ease of operation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using the known dimensions of the reference object as a reference scale. By comparing the apparent size of the reference object in the image with its known actual dimensions, the system can calculate the imaging distance and subsequently determine the dimensions of the measured article with high precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two imaging setups are used with reflective surfaces, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the measurement system by using a reflective surface to create virtual images. This allows the system to measure articles from multiple apparent positions and angles using a single physical imaging setup, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the reflective surface to create optical copies (virtual images) of the measured article and reference object. These copies appear in different positions and orientations, enabling the system to capture multiple measurement perspectives simultaneously or sequentially, thereby improving measurement versatility.
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
Enables accurate and fast contactless measurement of geometrical dimensions without the need for distance measurement equipment, suitable for hand-held applications and scenarios where access is limited or the article is in motion.
Implementation Method 1
forming an image of the reflection of the first measured article and the reflection of the reference object
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for contactless optical measurement of geometrical dimensions of articles are disclosed herein. A system according to the present disclosure may implement an arrangement of one or more measured articles, two imaging setups, a reflecting surface and a reference object. Geometrical dimensions of the one or more measured articles may be derived from dimensions of images formed in the imaging setups.