Multi-view Object Measurement Using Model Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial measurement systems are costly, slow, bulky, and require high maintenance, and are not suitable for smooth surfaces without texture or fiducial markings, leading to lower accuracy, especially as manufacturing tolerances tighten.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses multiple imaging devices to acquire images from various viewpoints, registering them with a first model to reconstruct a second model, allowing for accurate measurement of complex objects like curved tubes without the need for fiducial marks, using a computer-based system for image acquisition, registration, and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement systems (CT, CMM, laser-based profilometry) are used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the systems become costly, bulky, and require high maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single imaging device that can measure multiple types of objects (tubes with different diameters, wall thicknesses, and geometries) through programmable control. The system uses a standardized imaging apparatus with adjustable parameters rather than dedicated gauges for each tube type, making the measurement system versatile and adaptable to different measurement scenarios while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems (CMM, laser profilometry) with a simplified imaging-based system using standard cameras and computers. Instead of mechanical contact probes or complex optical scanners, the system uses digital imaging capture followed by computational processing to extract dimensional measurements, significantly reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements
2Ease of operation
If point correspondence techniques are used for smooth surfaces, then the measurement process is simplified, but the accuracy level becomes lower than acceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by utilizing variations in grayscale intensity and edge contrast in the captured images. The processing algorithm detects edges and contours based on intensity gradients, effectively creating 'visual markers' from the natural variation in light reflection and shadow across the tube surface, which provides sufficient correspondence information for accurate measurement without requiring physical fiducial markings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D image data to 3D dimensional measurements by using multiple images taken at different known angles and positions. Through triangulation and geometric reconstruction algorithms, the system extracts three-dimensional coordinates and dimensions from two-dimensional projections, achieving accurate measurements of curved surfaces without needing point correspondences on the surface itself
3Measurement precision
If different gauges are required for different tubes, then measurement accuracy for each tube type is optimized, but the system becomes application specific and requires high maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single measurement system that can accommodate multiple tube types through programmable control. The system captures images at multiple known positions and angles, then processes the data according to the specific geometry being measured. This eliminates the need for physical gauge changes while maintaining measurement accuracy across different tube diameters, wall thicknesses, and curvatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement system adaptable and reconfigurable through software control rather than fixed mechanical gauges. The imaging device can be positioned and oriented dynamically to capture views of different tube geometries, and the processing algorithms can be adjusted to handle various measurement scenarios, providing versatility without sacrificing precision
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is provided for measuring an object based on multiple views. The technique includes registering each of the plurality of images and a first model of the object with one another and reconstructing a second model of the object based on the plurality of images and the first model registered with one another.