Mobile Device Image Analysis for Object Volume Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for measuring attributes of physical objects, such as volume, in outdoor environments often rely on expensive and complex specialized equipment, which is not typically found in portable electronics, and struggle with accurately determining changes in these attributes over time.
Innovation Solution
A Mobile Device Image Analysis (MDIA) system that uses mobile devices to acquire images of objects, generate 3D models, and analyze them to estimate attributes like volume, and automatically determine changes over time by comparing models from different image acquisitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized measurement equipment (theodolites, rangefinders, lidar, sonar, 3D scanners) is used to measure object attributes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses photogrammetry to create 3D models by capturing multiple 2D images from different viewpoints. The system generates a virtual 3D representation (copy) of the object by processing images through structure-from-motion algorithms, allowing measurement of object attributes without requiring physical contact or specialized measurement hardware. This copying approach enables precise measurements using only standard cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (theodolites, rangefinders, lidar, sonar, 3D scanners) with an optical imaging-based system. Instead of using active sensing mechanisms or mechanical measurement devices, the system uses passive optical cameras to capture images and computationally reconstructs 3D geometry and measurements through image processing algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If specialized measurement equipment is used to measure object attributes, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive standard digital cameras instead of expensive specialized measurement equipment. By using readily available camera technology that can be found in consumer electronics, the system dramatically reduces the cost barrier for performing precise 3D measurements and attribute analysis without requiring investment in costly surveying or scanning hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual 3D models through photogrammetry, allowing repeated measurements and analyses without the need for expensive physical measurement instruments. The computational model serves as a reusable digital twin that can be queried multiple times for different measurements and attributes at no additional hardware cost.
3Device complexity
If mobile devices without specialized equipment are used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement capabilities with computational image processing. By substituting physical measurement hardware with software-based photogrammetric algorithms, the system achieves precise measurements using only standard camera imaging, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while using simple, inexpensive mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational image processing and 3D modeling as an intermediary between the simple mobile device camera and the measurement task. This intermediary layer (image processing software, structure-from-motion algorithms, 3D reconstruction models) enables the simple camera to perform measurements that would otherwise require complex specialized equipment by translating 2D images into accurate 3D geometric representations.
4Productivity
If images are analyzed to determine object attributes over time, then productivity is improved by enabling automated monitoring, but measurement precision challenges arise in tracking changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated monitoring systems that repeatedly capture images of objects at different times and compare the resulting 3D models to detect changes. The system provides feedback by calculating volumetric differences, dimensional changes, and other attribute variations between sequential models, enabling automated tracking of object evolution, growth, decay, or transformation over time with consistent precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for analyzing images acquired via mobile devices in various ways, including to estimate measurements for one or more attributes of one or more objects in the images, as well as determine changes over time in objects and their measurements based on images acquired at different times. For example, the described techniques may be used to measure the volume of a stockpile of material or other large object, based on images acquired via a mobile device that moves around some or all of the object. The calculation of object volume and/or other determined object information may include generating and manipulating one or more computer models of the object from selected images, and determining changes may include comparing different models for different times. In addition, further automated activities may include displaying, presenting or otherwise providing information about some or all of the determined information.