Flexible Reference System for 3D Optical Data Acquisition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-dimensional optical data acquisition systems face challenges in collecting complete point clouds due to gaps where a reference cannot be formed, and custom reference frames specific to a single workpiece configuration are expensive and difficult to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A flexible reference system is shaped to be partially within a limited line of sight volume, with multiple encoded dots located adjacent to the workpiece, and a flexible frame that follows the workpiece's features to ensure at least three dots are within the line of sight for accurate data acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If random reference points are used, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but gaps appear where reference cannot be formed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of reference systemVSAvoidcompleteness of point cloud data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reference system transitions from a static random distribution to a dynamic flexible structure that can be shaped and positioned adaptively. The flexible reference system with encoded dots can be conformally shaped to follow workpiece features, ensuring reference points are always available in the field of view while maintaining ease of manufacture through reusable flexible materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reference system changes from fixed random positions to configurable positions on a flexible substrate. By changing the physical state and positioning parameters of the reference dots on the flexible system, the configuration can be optimized for different workpiece geometries, ensuring complete point cloud acquisition without gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If custom reference frames are used, then measurement completeness is improved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of point cloud dataVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible reference system serves multiple functions: it provides reference points for measurement, conforms to various workpiece geometries, and can be reused across different measurement tasks. This universal flexible system replaces multiple custom-made rigid reference frames, reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining measurement completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a flexible substrate (thin film) to carry the reference encoded dots, allowing the reference system to be shaped and positioned adaptively. This flexible approach eliminates the need for expensive custom rigid reference frames while ensuring reference points are always accessible for complete point cloud acquisition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If reference dots are placed on workpiece surface, then complete coverage is achieved, but features may be obscured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage of reference systemVSAvoidworkpiece feature visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible reference system acts as an intermediary between the workpiece and the measurement system. Instead of placing reference dots directly on the workpiece surface (which would obscure features), the flexible system is positioned adjacent to or near the workpiece, providing reference points for measurement without blocking the view of critical features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10006756B2Flexible reference system

Publication Date: 2018.06.26 RTX CORP

AI summary

A method of optical data acquisition includes shaping a flexible reference system to be at least partially within a limited line of sight volume with respect to a workpiece.