Endoscope Triangulation Mark Overlay for Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial endoscopes face challenges in accurately measuring spatial coordinates and object distances using triangulation principles, particularly in displaying relevant information to users in real-time, especially when dealing with complex internal structures like boilers and turbines.
Innovation Solution
A measuring endoscope apparatus that photoelectrically converts images into signals, processes them to generate image data, and calculates object distances using triangulation, while displaying marks indicating object sizes and distances based on the view angle, allowing for real-time measurement and visualization of object dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation principle is used to calculate spatial coordinates and object distance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple optical systems and calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mark as an intermediary object placed on the target. This mark serves as a reference that simplifies the triangulation calculation by providing known geometric relationships. The mark's position and orientation are calculated relative to the optical system, which then enables derivation of spatial coordinates and distances without requiring complex direct measurements of the target itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or representation of the mark in the display system. By calculating the mark's position, size, and orientation in the virtual image space and displaying it overlaid on the actual image, the system provides visual feedback that simplifies measurement interpretation. This virtual representation allows users to understand spatial relationships without directly processing complex coordinate data.
2Productivity
If real-time measurement and display of object size is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional calculation and display processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the mark's position, size, and orientation based on the triangulation data before displaying the image. By pre-processing the measurement data and preparing the mark representation in advance, the system enables real-time display without adding complex processing during the inspection workflow. The mark is calculated and positioned in the display buffer before being rendered alongside the image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the measurement information (mark) with the visual image in a single display. Instead of requiring separate displays or additional processing steps for measurement data, the mark is overlaid directly on the image showing the target and its surroundings. This integration allows inspectors to simultaneously view both the visual context and measurement results, improving productivity without requiring complex separate processing systems.
3Measurement precision
If mark size is calculated based on object distance and view angle, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases due to potential display errors at different distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic calculation of the mark's display size based on the calculated object distance and view angle. As the endoscope moves closer or farther from the target, the mark's size in the display automatically adjusts to maintain accurate proportional representation. This dynamic scaling ensures that the mark always correctly represents the actual object size relative to the field of view, preventing information loss that would occur with fixed-size displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the calculated object distance as feedback to adjust the mark's display characteristics. The distance measurement continuously informs the rendering process, allowing the mark size and position to be automatically corrected based on the actual spatial relationship. This feedback loop ensures that even as viewing conditions change, the displayed mark maintains accurate dimensional representation without requiring manual intervention.
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 real-time measurement and display of object sizes and distances, enhancing the efficiency of industrial inspections by providing clear, intuitive visual feedback to users.
Implementation Method 1
an endoscope that photoelectrically converts an image of an object to generate an imaging signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a measuring endoscope apparatus which includes an endoscope that photoelectrically converts an image of an object to generate an imaging signal, a signal processing section that processes the imaging signal to generate image data, a distance measuring section that calculates an object distance based on a principle of triangulation using the image data, and a display section that displays the image of the object based on the image data. The measuring endoscope apparatus further includes a measuring section that calculates a size of the mark indicating a size of the object based on the object distance and a view angle of the endoscope. The display section also displays a mark along with the image of the object based on the image data.