Image Measuring System With Adjustable Projection Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image measuring systems for indoor layout and construction measurements, such as image total stations and 3D image scanners, have complex structures and high maintenance costs due to their intricate mechanisms and require specialized light sources and rotation axes, making them expensive and difficult to calibrate.
Innovation Solution
A method using a simple image measuring system with a projection optical system, photodetection optical system, and control arithmetic device, which includes a light projection unit, projection angle changing means, direction detecting means, and a range image sensor, allowing for flexible illumination and direction control, and enabling three-dimensional measurement with a semiconductor laser and diffuser for adjustable light flux.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an image total station or 3D image scanner is used for measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to rotation axes and angle detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex rotation axes and angle detectors from the measurement system. Instead of using a total station with vertical and horizontal rotation axes requiring angle detectors, the invention uses a simplified camera-based system that captures images directly without mechanical rotation mechanisms, thereby achieving measurement capability while reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (total station with rotation axes and angle detectors) with an optical-electronic system (camera with image sensor and processor). The mechanical angle detection is substituted by electronic image processing and coordinate extraction, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while maintaining measurement precision
2Speed
If a 3D image scanner with pulse laser beam is used, then instantaneous distance measurement is achieved, but maintenance complexity and calibration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, maintenance-intensive components (pulse laser sources and complex optical systems) with more affordable, simpler alternatives (standard camera sensors and LED illumination). The system uses readily available consumer-grade camera technology that is easier to replace and maintain, reducing long-term operational complexity while maintaining measurement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic calibration and processing capabilities through the control arithmetic device that automatically processes captured images to extract measurement data. The image processing algorithms automatically handle coordinate extraction and distance calculation without requiring manual calibration procedures, reducing maintenance burden
3Area of stationary object
If multiple images are captured for wider measurement range, then coverage area increases, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal image processing framework that handles both single-image and multi-image scenarios through the same control arithmetic device. The system automatically determines whether to process one image or multiple images based on the measurement requirements, and applies consistent coordinate extraction and registration algorithms regardless of the number of images, simplifying the overall processing complexity while enabling flexible measurement range adjustment
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
This solution allows for accurate and efficient three-dimensional measurement with a simplified structure, reducing costs and complexity, and enabling easy acquisition and processing of images for wider range and pinpoint measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for emitting an illumination light, and projects the illumination light through the light projection optical axis
Implementation Method 2
receives a retroreflection light from an object to be measured by the image pickup element through the photodetection optical axis
Implementation Method 3
the light source is a semiconductor laser, and the semiconductor laser is configured to emit a light with the drive currents which are not higher than a threshold value and not lower than the threshold value
Implementation Method 4
the light projection unit has a luminous flux diameter expanding means for expanding a luminous flux of the illumination light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4~6
AI summary
An image measuring system comprises a projection optical system 5 which has a light projection optical axis 26 and a light source 27 for emitting an illumination light 29, and projects the illumination light through the light projection optical axis, a photodetection optical system 6 which has a photodetection optical axis 15 and an image pickup element 13, and receives a retroreflection light 29' from an object to be measured by the image pickup element through the photodetection optical axis, and a control arithmetic device 7 for processesing the data taken by the image pickup element, and in the image measuring system, the projection optical system comprises a light projection unit 25 for directing the light projection optical axis toward the an object to be measured and projecting the illumination light, a projection angle changing means 23, 33 for rotating the light projection unit in an elevating direction and a horizontal direction and for changing a projection angle of the illumination light, and a direction detecting means 24 for detecting a direction angle of the light projection optical axis with respect to the photodetection optical axis.