Image Projection Measuring Apparatus for Real-Time Precision Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing three-dimensional measuring apparatus requires operators to work in pairs, leading to inefficiencies due to delayed communication and varying criteria for determining measurement precision, which degrades working efficiency and can be influenced by operator experience.

Innovation Solution

An image projection measuring apparatus that projects image projection data onto the work surface, allowing operators to check measurement precision in real-time using a camera and image projector, while the measurer illuminates the surface with a line laser, enabling immediate identification and remeasurement of areas with low precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If operators work in pairs to check measurement precision, then measurement precision can be verified, but working efficiency decreases due to delayed communication and varying criteria

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precision verificationVSAvoidworking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of the workpiece surface by projecting image projection data onto it. This projected image serves as an objective reference that both operators can view simultaneously, eliminating the need for subjective comparison and delayed communication between operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The projected image acts as an intermediary reference between the operators and the workpiece. Instead of operators directly comparing measurements against each other or against mental criteria, they both reference the same projected image, creating a common objective standard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If operators use varying criteria for determining measurement precision, then flexibility is maintained, but consistency and reliability of measurement deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidmeasurement consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows different regions of the workpiece to be measured and projected with appropriate local characteristics. The image projection data can be selectively projected onto specific areas, allowing operators to adapt to different measurement requirements while maintaining consistent reference standards across all regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances working efficiency by allowing operators to determine and correct measurement precision without interrupting the measuring process, ensuring consistent and precise data acquisition regardless of operator skill.

Implementation Method 1

The measurer is configured to measure a shape of a work by illuminating an outer surface of the work with a line laser from a laser emitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS12066284B2Image projection measuring apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.08.20 SUBARU CORP
  • US12066284B2 patent drawing
  • US12066284B2 patent drawing
  • US12066284B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image projection measuring apparatus includes a measurer, a storage, an image projection data generator, an image projector, and an image projection controller. The measurer is configured to measure a shape of a work by illuminating an outer surface of the work with a line laser from a laser emitter. The storage is configured to store measurement data acquired by the measurer. The image projection data generator is configured to generate image projection data from the measurement data. The image projector includes a camera and is configured to project the image projection data from the camera. The image projection controller is configured to cause the image projector to project the image projection data onto the outer surface of the work.