Mirror Units for Hidden Point Photogrammetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photogrammetry methods face inefficiencies in measuring three-dimensional coordinates of objects, particularly when points on an object are hidden from view, requiring camera system repositioning and increased time and calculations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising mirror units and cameras that generate images of an object, where a measurement module identifies coordinates using images from both visible and hidden points, with mirror units reflecting hidden points into the camera's view, eliminating the need for camera system repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera system is moved to another location to measure hidden points, then coordinates for hidden points can be obtained, but additional time and calculations are required
Solution Approach 1:
A mirror unit is introduced as an intermediary element between the camera system and the hidden points on the object. The mirror reflects light from hidden points into the camera's field of view, enabling indirect observation without physical repositioning. This mediator allows the camera to capture images of previously inaccessible points while remaining in its original position, thus eliminating time loss associated with movement and recalibration.
2Measurement precision
If the camera system is moved to capture hidden points, then complete point cloud data is achieved, but device repositioning and recalibration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror unit serves as a stationary intermediary that enables the camera to observe hidden points without moving. By positioning the mirror at a fixed location where it can reflect light from hidden points into the camera's view, the system avoids the complexity of repositioning and recalibrating the camera while still achieving complete point cloud coverage.
3Measurement precision
If multiple camera positions are used to measure all points, then measurement completeness is improved, but the number of images and calculations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror unit acts as a force multiplier, enabling a single camera position to capture images of both visible and previously hidden points. This eliminates the need to take multiple sets of images from different positions, thereby reducing the total number of images required and the computational burden of processing multiple datasets, while still achieving complete point coverage.
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
Enables efficient measurement of three-dimensional coordinates for both visible and hidden points on an object without moving the camera system, reducing time and effort in data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
mirror units reflecting hidden points into the camera's view
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A method and apparatus for making measurements. Images of an object (304) are generated. A plurality of coordinates for a plurality of points (320,322,323) on a surface of the object is identified from the images using a number of reference points in the images. A first portion (323) of the plurality of points on the object is visible on the object in the images. A second portion (322) of the plurality of points on the object is visible on a number of mirror units (312) in the images.