Marker-Based Caliper Measurement Using Mobile Computer Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional caliper measurement methods are slow, inefficient, and error-prone, especially when measuring components with complex designs or located at challenging positions, as users often struggle to juggle calipers, measurement devices, and recording implements.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a caliper with markers on its arms and pivot point, combined with a mobile device equipped with sensors and processors, to capture images or videos of the caliper and process the markers' locations to determine the distance between the caliper tips, thereby facilitating accurate and efficient dimension measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional manual measurement methods using calipers are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but measurement speed and efficiency deteriorate due to users having to juggle between calipers, measurement devices, and recording implements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the caliper with integrated imaging and processing capabilities by incorporating a camera, processor, and display into the caliper housing. This merging of measurement and documentation functions into a single integrated device eliminates the need for users to juggle multiple separate tools (calipers, measurement devices, recording implements), thereby improving measurement speed and efficiency while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the measurement process by capturing an image of the component with the caliper positioned on it. The camera records the measurement state, and the processor automatically calculates and displays the measurement result. This copying approach replaces manual recording with automated digital capture and processing, significantly improving productivity.
2Extent of automation
If laser sensors and cameras are used for measurement, then automation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for components with complex specifications and challenging locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the captured image and the final measurement result. The processor analyzes the captured image to identify the caliper position and component features, then calculates the measurement based on this analysis. This intermediary processing step enables automated measurement while maintaining precision for complex components by using software-based feature recognition rather than relying solely on sensor alignment.
3Reliability
If manual measurement recording is performed, then measurement capability is achieved, but error rate increases due to the slow and error-prone process of juggling multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the measurement state through camera imaging and automatic processing. Instead of manual recording which is prone to errors, the system captures an image and automatically calculates and stores the measurement result. This digital copying process eliminates transcription errors and significantly reduces measurement time while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of reading, recording, and calculating measurements with an automated electronic system. The camera captures the measurement state, the processor automatically calculates the result using image analysis, and the display shows the final measurement. This substitution of mechanical operations with electronic automation reduces both time and error rate.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining a dimension of a component are disclosed. The method includes receiving one or more images, one or more videos, or a combination thereof of a caliper having a plurality of markers. The one or more images, the one or more videos, or a combination thereof are captured by one or more image sensors of a mobile device. The plurality of markers includes a respective marker on each of a first measuring arm, a second measuring arm, and a pivot point of the caliper. A processing, via one or more processors, of the one or more images, the one or more videos, or a combination thereof of the caliper with the plurality of markers to determine locations of the plurality of markers. A processing, via the one or more processors, of the locations of the plurality of markers to determine a distance between a first tip of the first measuring arm and a second tip of the second measuring arm.