Handheld Photogrammetry Edge Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held photogrammetry devices are difficult for laypersons and inexperienced users to operate effectively for accurate image-based edge measurement, as they require complex user intervention and may produce inconsistent results.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that automatically identifies edges in images using stereophotogrammetry, with algorithms to determine edge lengths and display them on a user interface, allowing for intuitive and accurate edge measurement without user intervention, and includes adaptive pattern recognition for typical features like windows and doors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual point marking and distance calculation methods are used on touchscreen displays, then measurement capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates and user complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiduser complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic edge detection and measurement without requiring user intervention. The evaluation unit automatically identifies edges in the captured image, calculates their lengths using photogrammetric data, and displays the results, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction (touchscreen point marking) with automated computational processing. The evaluation unit uses algorithms to detect edges and calculate measurements automatically, substituting the mechanical user interaction system with an automated image processing and computation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automatic edge detection algorithms are implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation unit serves multiple functions: it performs photogrammetric evaluation of captured images, automatically detects edges using image processing algorithms, calculates edge lengths using 3D coordinate data, and displays results. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation unit acts as an intermediary between the image capture device and the display system. It processes the raw image data and photogrammetric information, automatically extracts edge measurements, and presents the processed results to the user, mediating between the complex processing requirements and the simple display output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If photogrammetric evaluation methods are used, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs photogrammetric evaluation and edge measurement without requiring user expertise or intervention. The evaluation unit independently processes the images, applies photogrammetric algorithms, and generates measurements, allowing the system to self-service rather than requiring skilled user operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary photogrammetric evaluation of the captured image to establish 3D coordinate information and edge characteristics before final measurement display. This preliminary processing prepares the data in advance, enabling accurate measurements to be automatically generated without requiring user understanding of the complex photogrammetric processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 simple, quick, and accurate edge measurement in scenes, even for inexperienced users, with automatic edge detection and measurement functionality that reduces user confusion and ensures consistent accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

capturing at least one first image and a second image of the scene with at least one camera of the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

stereophotogrammetric evaluation of the first and second images

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStereophotogrammetry: Photogrammetry

Data Source

PatentEP3486607B1Image-based edge measurement
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
  • EP3486607B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3486607B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d
  • EP3486607B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for image-based measurement of a scene using a handheld device, comprising: recording at least one first image and one second image of the scene by at least one camera of the device; photogrammetric evaluation of the first and second images; and graphical output of an image of the scene on a display unit. The method is characterized by an automatically executed edge measurement functionality in which, without user intervention, edges (60, 61) in the scene are identified based on the at least one image of the scene, edge lengths (62) of the identified edges (60, 61) are determined based on the photogrammetrically evaluated images, and the determined edge lengths (62) are displayed in the image of the scene. The invention further relates to a handheld device and a computer program product with program code for executing the method.