Flat Slab Imaging System Parallax Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for imaging and processing flat slabs, such as stone or glass, are inefficient due to manual marking of irregularities, high-definition rendering issues, parallax errors, and optical distortions, which increase processing time and risk misidentification of slabs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with multiple high-definition photographic devices and a data processing unit that captures and corrects partial images to produce a single, distortion-free image of the slab, allowing for automated detection of size and surface defects, and a method that includes controlled lighting to prevent shadows and reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single photographic device is used for slab imaging, then the device complexity is reduced, but parallax errors and optical distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple photographic devices (at least two) positioned at different locations above the slab. Each device captures a portion of the slab surface, and the images are later combined through image processing to create a comprehensive view that eliminates parallax errors and optical distortion by compensating for individual device limitations
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple images captured by different photographic devices are merged through image processing techniques. The system combines the partial images to create a single composite image that corrects parallax errors and optical distortion by integrating data from multiple perspectives, thereby improving overall measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If multiple photographic devices are used to reduce parallax errors, then image accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple photographic devices positioned at specific locations, where each device is responsible for capturing specific regions of the slab. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through multiple viewpoints while managing complexity by assigning specific functions to each device
Solution Approach 2:
A data processing unit serves as an intermediary that receives images from multiple photographic devices, processes them to correct parallax errors and optical distortion, and generates the final accurate composite image. This intermediary component manages the complexity by automating the integration process
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual marking is used to identify irregularities, then flexibility in handling various defect types is maintained, but productivity and processing speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical marking process is replaced with an automated optical imaging and data processing system. Photographic devices capture images of the slab surface, and a data processing unit automatically identifies irregularities and generates digital markers, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining the ability to handle various defect types through software algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and marking irregularities without human intervention. The photographic devices and data processing unit work together to autonomously identify defects, determine their locations, and generate marking information, thereby significantly improving productivity while maintaining versatility in handling different defect types
4Device complexity
If fixed cameras are used to capture images of a moving slab, then the imaging setup is simplified, but parallax errors and optical distortions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system uses multiple fixed photographic devices positioned at different locations above the slab path. Each device captures images from its fixed position, and the segmentation of the imaging task across multiple devices allows the system to maintain simple fixed installations while achieving high precision through the combination of multiple perspectives in the data processing unit
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for capturing multiple images (P) of flat slabs (L) of stone material or the like, comprising a supporting surface (2) for at least one slab (L), a frame (3) adapted to delimit an imaging area (Wi) and adapted to support at least one beam (4) thereabove, a plurality of photographic devices (9) being mounted to the beam (4) and facing the supporting surface (2), wherein the photographic devices (9) are connected to a data processing unit. The photographic devices (9) comprise high-definition capture sensors adapted to simultaneously capture one or more partial images (P1, P2,...,PN) of the underlying slab (L) and the processing unit is configured to receive and process the one or more partial images (P1,P2,... ,PN) and provide a single image (PU) of the entire top surface (S) of the slab (L) by correcting any parallax errors and optical distortions of said capture sensors. A method of capturing multiple images (P) of flat slabs (L)