Graphic Overlay for Video Inspection Cursor Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of video inspection devices face difficulties in accurately placing measurement cursors on two-dimensional images to measure features like dents, slots, and turbine blade edges due to the complexity of determining correct locations from two-dimensional or three-dimensional point cloud views.
Innovation Solution
A graphic overlay system is implemented, allowing semi-transparent overlays on the image to provide visual feedback on correct cursor placement for accurate measurements, using reference surfaces and measurement cursors that can be adjusted to ensure alignment with the object's geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a two-dimensional image is used for measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in accurately determining feature locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects three-dimensional measurement data onto a two-dimensional image display, adding depth information (z-axis) to the conventional x-y plane. This allows users to visualize and measure features in 3D space while maintaining the simplicity of a 2D interface, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphic overlay as an intermediary layer between the raw two-dimensional image and the measurement data. This overlay provides visual guidance for accurate cursor placement by displaying projected measurement points and feature contours, enabling precise measurements without increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If visual inspection of two-dimensional images is used to determine measurement locations, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in identifying correct cursor placement positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback by displaying graphic overlays that show the correct cursor placement positions based on the measured features. The overlay dynamically updates to guide users to accurate measurement locations, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving measurement precision through real-time visual guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded graphic overlays to indicate different measurement states and feature types. By visually distinguishing measurement points, feature boundaries, and measurement status through color variations, the system guides users to correct cursor placements without complicating the operation, thereby improving precision while maintaining ease of use.
3Device complexity
If manual cursor placement on two-dimensional images is used, then the device complexity is kept simple, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming measurement processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing by automatically detecting features and pre-calculating measurement points before the user begins measurement. The system projects three-dimensional feature data onto the two-dimensional image and prepares graphic overlays in advance, so users only need to follow the visual guidance rather than perform complex analysis, thereby improving productivity without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the measurement system to serve itself by automatically identifying features and generating measurement guidance overlays without requiring extensive user intervention. The system self-corrects and self-guides the measurement process through visual feedback, reducing the time users spend on manual positioning while maintaining simple device operation, thus improving productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and device for providing a graphic overlay (1950) for measuring dimensions of features using a video inspection device. One or more measurement cursors (1931, 1932) are placed on pixels of an image (1901) of the object. One or more planes (1952, 1962) are determined parallel or normal to a reference surface or line (1970) and passing through surface points (1921, 1922) associated with the measurement cursors (1931, 1932). A semi-transparent graphic overlay (1950, 1960) is placed on pixels with associated surface points having three-dimensional surface coordinates less than a predetermined distance from the plane(s) (1952, 1962) to help the user place the measurement cursors (1931, 1932).