Multi-directional Photogrammetry Target with Dome Retroreflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photogrammetric inspection systems require multiple repositionings of targets and at least two operators to achieve comprehensive component inspection, increasing completion time and costs due to the need for movable parts in targets.
Innovation Solution
A photogrammetry target with a dome-shaped base and fixedly mounted retroreflective targets oriented at different angles, eliminating the need for repositioning and reducing operator requirements, allowing for efficient, single-operator inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional targets are used with movable parts for repositioning, then line-of-sight requirements can be accommodated, but inspection completion time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target is segmented into multiple retroreflective elements (first retroreflector, second retroreflector, third retroreflector) positioned at different orientations on the base. This segmentation allows each element to reflect light from different angles simultaneously, eliminating the need to reposition the entire target while maintaining line-of-sight accommodation for multiple imaging devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-oriented target that requires repositioning in one dimension to a multi-oriented target with reflectors arranged in three-dimensional space. The first retroreflector faces upward, the second faces laterally, and the third faces at an angle, creating multi-directional visibility without movement.
2Ease of operation
If conventional targets with movable parts are used, then repositioning can be achieved, but at least two operators are required and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the movable parts from the target system. Instead of having adjustable or repositionable components, the target uses a fixed base with retroreflective elements mounted at various angles. This extraction of movable parts reduces the system to a simple, static structure that requires only one operator for imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-oriented retroreflective elements serve multiple imaging angles simultaneously without requiring external intervention for repositioning. The target structure itself provides the necessary adaptability through its fixed multi-directional geometry, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional operators to adjust the target.
3Ease of operation
If conventional targets with movable parts are used, then repositioning is possible, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the target adjustable through movable parts (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by making the target fixed with multiple pre-positioned retroreflective elements. This inversion eliminates complex mechanical components, simplifies manufacturing, and reduces costs while maintaining operational flexibility through the multi-oriented reflector arrangement.
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 solution reduces inspection cycle times, minimizes technician-induced errors, and lowers costs by enabling single-operator, non-contact photogrammetric inspection without the need for movable components.
Implementation Method 1
Each retroreflective target of the plurality of retroreflective targets includes a retroreflective surface facing a direction which is different than each other retroreflective surface of the plurality of retroreflective targets
Data Source
AI summary
A photogrammetry target includes a base including a first base side, configured to be fixedly mounted directly to a surface of a component, and a convex second base side opposite the first base side. The convex second base side is defined by a dome. The photogrammetry target further includes a plurality of retroreflective targets fixedly mounted to the dome. Each retroreflective target of the plurality of retroreflective targets includes a retroreflective surface facing a direction which is different than each other retroreflective surface of the plurality of retroreflective targets.