Laser Profiling Calibration Using Movable Reflective Target
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems for railroad tracks and road surfaces require calibration in both horizontal and vertical planes for accurate profiling, but current methods are cumbersome and often performed in laboratory settings using fixed targets, which can introduce errors and are not practical for field use.
Innovation Solution
A laser profiling calibration system comprising a light-emitting device, a reflective target with non-reflective regions, and an optical receiver that captures images at multiple positions within the laser plane to calibrate the system in both horizontal and vertical planes, allowing for accurate calibration outside a laboratory environment without a fixed target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration is performed using fixed targets in laboratory settings, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome procedures and lack of portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed target into a dynamic movable target that can be positioned at multiple locations within the laser plane. The target is moved to different positions (at least three distinct positions) during calibration, allowing the system to capture images from multiple perspectives and calculate calibration parameters dynamically rather than relying on a single fixed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable target as an intermediary object between the laser profiling system and the calibration process. This target serves as a mediator that carries known geometric features (such as reflective markers or coded patterns) through multiple positions, enabling the system to derive calibration information without requiring complex fixed infrastructure or laboratory settings.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed in laboratory settings with fixed targets, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to perform calibration in field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic calibration by allowing the target to be moved to multiple positions within the laser plane during field operations. This dynamic approach maintains calibration accuracy while adapting to various field conditions and locations, eliminating the restriction to fixed laboratory environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable target and calibration method are designed to be universally applicable across different environments and conditions. The same target and procedure can be used whether the system is stationary or moving, in laboratory or field settings, on railroad tracks or roadways, providing multi-functional calibration capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple target positions are used for calibration, then manufacturing precision is improved through better calibration accuracy, but loss of time increases due to multiple positioning steps
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process uses periodic action by moving the target to a series of predetermined positions (at least three distinct positions) in a systematic sequence. The system captures an image at each position and processes them in order, allowing for efficient calculation of calibration parameters through periodic sampling rather than continuous adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The target positions are predetermined and prepared in advance as part of the calibration setup. The known positions of the target at each location are established beforehand, allowing the system to directly calculate calibration parameters from the captured images without requiring iterative adjustment or complex real-time computation during the calibration execution.
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
The system enables simple, repeatable, and accurate calibration of profiling systems in various locations, reducing errors and increasing efficiency in inspecting large areas such as railroad tracks and roadways by using a portable and motion-free calibration method.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting device configured to project a light and thereby define a light plane
Implementation Method 2
The optical receiver is oriented to receive light reflected from the target
Data Source
AI summary
A laser profiling calibration system includes a light emitting device, a light-reflecting target, and an optical receiver. The light emitting device is configured to project a light and define a light plane. The light-reflecting target is configured to be positioned at multiple positions within the light plane, and has a plurality of non-reflective regions. The optical receiver is oriented to receive light reflected from the target, and further configured to capture a plurality of images, comprising at least one image at each of the target's multiple positions. The system is configured to use the plurality of images to calibrate the optical receiver within the light plane.