Micrometre Surface 3D Reconstruction Using LED Fringe Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional object reconstruction systems by laser triangulation struggle to achieve micrometric resolution for millimetric objects, limiting their ability to accurately measure surface characteristics such as crack depth, hollows, and roughness.

Innovation Solution

A surface acquisition system using an LED to project a fine light beam with a fringe thickness of less than 50 μm, combined with dual cameras to reduce blind spots and sub-pixel profile analysis to correct noise, enabling micrometric resolution and depth field for precise surface characterization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional lasers are used for three-dimensional acquisition, then high power and depth of field are achieved, but resolution for millimetric objects is limited to hundred or tens of microns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevation map resolutionVSAvoidspeckle noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the light source from coherent laser to incoherent LED, which eliminates speckle noise while achieving the required measurement precision for millimetric objects with micrometric resolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a single camera is used for profile acquisition, then device complexity is reduced, but blind spots in the image are present

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacquisition completenessVSAvoidnumber of cameras
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a second camera positioned at a different angular position to capture profiles from another viewing angle, eliminating blind spots and ensuring complete surface coverage for three-dimensional reconstruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If LED is used to project light beam, then speckle noise is eliminated, but fringe thickness control to less than 50 μm is challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeckle noiseVSAvoidfringe thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mask with a thin opaque stripe as an intermediary element between the LED and the object, which precisely defines the fringe geometry and achieves the required thickness of less than 50 μm while using incoherent LED light

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 achieves micrometric resolution and depth field, effectively characterizing millimetric objects by reducing noise and blind spots, allowing for precise measurements of surface defects and roughness.

Implementation Method 1

the projection means comprise an LED whose light is focused in the form of a fringe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

an LED whose light is focused in the form of a fringe with a thickness of less than 50 μm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

at least one digital camera for acquiring images of the profile produced by said beam on the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3074759B1Micrometre surface 3D reconstruction
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
  • EP3074759B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3074759B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3074759B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to an object surface three-dimensional acquisition system, comprising means for projecting a fine light beam, at least one digital camera for acquiring images of the profile produced by said beam on the object, means of displacement of the beam along the object, means for processing the images acquired. The system comprises an LED whose light is focused in the form of a fringe less than 50 μm thick.