Mobile 3D Rope Measurement With Multi-Camera Photogrammetry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring geometric parameters of ropes and cables are prone to measurement errors due to perspective localization, lighting conditions, and environmental factors, and require contact methods that are difficult to implement on moving objects or in hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A calibrated three-dimensional optical measuring apparatus using multiple digital image acquisition devices and a digital image processing system to reconstruct the rope's geometric parameters photogrammetrically, minimizing errors and enabling non-contact measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If 2D image processing techniques are used to measure rope geometric parameters, then the measurement process is simple, but measurement errors occur due to perspective localization between rope and camera
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D image processing to 3D optical measurement by introducing multiple cameras arranged in a specific geometric configuration. This dimensional upgrade eliminates perspective localization errors by capturing the rope from multiple angles simultaneously, enabling accurate reconstruction of geometric parameters in three-dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional contact-based mechanical measurement methods with non-contact optical measurement systems. By using multiple cameras and photogrammetric reconstruction algorithms, the system achieves precise geometric parameter measurement without physical contact, avoiding the complexity of mechanical probe positioning while eliminating perspective errors through multi-view geometry.
2Ease of operation
If contact measurement methods are used on moving ropes, then measurement can be performed, but the methods are difficult to implement due to rope movement and hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical measurement with non-contact optical measurement using multiple cameras. This substitution allows measurement of moving ropes without physical interference, making the system suitable for hazardous environments where contact methods would be difficult or dangerous to implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration of the multi-camera system to establish precise geometric relationships and coordinate transformations before actual measurement. This pre-calibration ensures that subsequent measurements of moving ropes are accurate and reliable, even in challenging environmental conditions.
3Measurement precision
If stationary measurement systems are used for rope inspection, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but production or handling plants must be stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic measurement system where multiple cameras capture images of moving ropes at different positions simultaneously. The system processes these images in real-time to reconstruct three-dimensional geometric parameters, enabling continuous measurement without stopping production while maintaining accuracy through coordinated multi-view capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement of ropes as they move through handling plants by coordinating multiple cameras to capture images at different positions along the rope path. This continuous imaging approach, combined with real-time photogrammetric reconstruction, maintains measurement accuracy while eliminating production interruptions.
4Measurement precision
If multiple digital image acquisition devices are arranged around the rope, then three-dimensional measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and transport difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function across multiple independent camera units arranged around the rope. Each camera captures images from its specific viewpoint, and the results are integrated through photogrammetric reconstruction. This segmentation allows the system to achieve three-dimensional measurement accuracy while keeping individual camera units relatively simple and manageable.
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 apparatus provides accurate, non-contact, and efficient measurement of rope parameters, overcoming environmental and operational challenges, allowing continuous monitoring without stopping production or handling plants.
Implementation Method 1
acquire a multiplicity of digital images of at least one region of an outer surface of the rope
Data Source
AI summary
A calibrated three-dimensional optical measuring apparatus for the three-dimensional measurement of geometric parameters of a rope has a frame defining and arranged around a rope receiving cavity. A plurality of image acquisition devices is configured to acquire a plurality of digital images of at least one region of an outer surface of the rope. The image acquisition devices are fixed to the frame and arranged around the rope when the calibrated three-dimensional optical measuring apparatus receives the rope in the rope receiving cavity. An attachment device is configured to constrain the calibrated three-dimensional optical measuring apparatus to the rope in a relatively translatable manner with respect to the rope. An electronic digital image processing device is configured to process a multiplicity of digital images and obtain a three-dimensional photogrammetric reconstruction of points of the digital images of the rope acquired by the image acquisition devices.