Integrated Laser-Image Measuring Device for Automated Point Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for acquiring three-dimensional data of objects, such as using laser scanners or total stations, are either costly or require significant operator time and effort, as they often necessitate manual confirmation of measuring points.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device and method that employs a distance measuring unit, image pickup unit, and image processing to automatically detect and measure multiple points within a measurement range by projecting and deflecting a distance measuring light, allowing for efficient angle and distance measurement without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a laser scanner is used to measure a great number of measuring points at high speed, then measurement speed and productivity are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image pickup unit (camera) and distance measuring unit (laser range finder) into a single integrated measuring device. The image pickup unit captures images of the measurement range, and the distance measuring unit measures distances to multiple measuring points. By merging these functions, the system achieves high-speed automated measurement of multiple points without requiring expensive laser scanners, thus improving productivity while controlling cost.
2Measurement precision
If a total station is used for measurement with manual confirmation of measuring points, then measurement precision is maintained, but operator time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic measuring point extraction and identification through image processing. The image processing unit automatically extracts measuring points from captured images and identifies their coordinates without requiring manual operator intervention. This self-service approach maintains measurement precision while eliminating the time-consuming manual confirmation process, directly reducing operator time and increasing efficiency.
3Reliability
If manual confirmation of measuring points is required, then measurement reliability is maintained, but automation level and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the image processing unit continuously monitors and identifies measuring points, and the distance measuring unit automatically adjusts its measurements based on extracted point coordinates. The system provides feedback loops that verify measuring point identification and validate distance measurements, maintaining reliability while achieving a high level of automation without requiring manual confirmation.
4Measurement precision
If multiple measuring points are measured manually one by one, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity and measurement speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing a complete image of the measurement range before measuring individual points. The image pickup unit captures the entire measurement range in one shot, and the image processing unit pre-identifies all measuring points and their coordinates. This preliminary action allows subsequent distance measurements to be performed rapidly in sequence without time-consuming manual point-by-point positioning, thereby maintaining precision while significantly increasing measurement throughput and productivity.
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 approach reduces measurement time, improves working efficiency, and enables accurate measurement of complex shapes like ridges and vertices, allowing for automatic setup and collimation without needing to change or move the device.
Implementation Method 1
a distance measuring unit for performing distance measurement on a measuring point by projecting a distance measuring light and by receiving a reflected distance measuring light from the measuring point
Implementation Method 2
a distance measuring optical axis deflecting unit for deflecting a distance measuring optical axis of the distance measuring light, wherein the distance measuring optical axis is deflected with respect to the reference optical axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a measuring device, comprising a distance measuring unit 8 for performing distance measurement on a measuring point by projecting a distance measuring light and by receiving a reflected distance measuring light from the measuring point, an image pickup unit 7 for acquiring a digital image of a measurement range, a distance measuring optical axis deflecting unit 16 for deflecting a distance measuring optical axis of the distance measuring light, an angle measuring unit 9 for measuring an angle of the distance measuring optical axis, an image processing unit 14 for extracting the measuring point through image processing of the digital image, and a control arithmetic unit 21, wherein the control arithmetic unit detects an angle of the measuring point on the digital image, controls the distance measuring optical axis deflecting unit based on the detected angle, directs the distance measuring optical axis toward the measuring point one after another and measures a distance to the measuring point.