Mobile Rope-Attached 3D Optical Measurement With 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, environmental lighting conditions, and vibrations, and require contact-based techniques that are cumbersome and dangerous for operators.
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, allowing non-contact, non-destructive, and continuous measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-based measurement techniques are used, then measurement can be performed on stationary ropes, but the operator is exposed to dangerous environmental conditions and the production must be stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical measurement systems with a non-contact optical measurement system. Multiple cameras capture images of the rope from different angles, and photogrammetric algorithms compute three-dimensional geometric parameters without physical contact. This eliminates operator exposure to dangerous environments while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the rope from multiple perspectives using cameras. These two-dimensional images are then processed through photogrammetric reconstruction to generate a three-dimensional digital model of the rope, allowing measurements to be taken from the digital copy rather than requiring direct physical contact with the actual rope.
2Productivity
If two-dimensional image processing techniques are used, then measurement can be performed, but measurement errors occur due to perspective localization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image processing to three-dimensional photogrammetric reconstruction. By capturing images from multiple cameras positioned at different spatial locations and reconstructing the rope's geometry in three dimensions, the system eliminates perspective distortion errors that plague single-plane two-dimensional measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the measurement task into multiple independent image capture operations, with each camera capturing the rope from a specific angle. These segmented visual data sets are then processed separately and integrated through photogrammetric algorithms to produce an accurate three-dimensional reconstruction, allowing each camera to focus on capturing its specific perspective without interference.
3Ease of operation
If cameras with linear sensors are used, then measurement can be performed, but errors occur due to vibrations and imperfect perpendicularity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple camera systems with different sensor types (including but not limited to linear sensors) into a unified photogrammetric measurement system. By combining data from multiple independent measurement sources captured simultaneously, the system compensates for individual sensor limitations such as vibration sensitivity or alignment imperfections, achieving higher overall measurement accuracy.
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 precise and accurate measurement of rope parameters such as diameter, roundness, and pitch without operator intervention, suitable for moving or stationary objects, and adaptable to various environmental conditions.
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.