Multiframe 3D Surface Measurement via Reference Object Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D surface measurement technologies face challenges such as high costs, bulkiness, non-portability, long scanning times, and inability to scan moving or sensitive objects, due to the need for precise positioning and orientation of 3D scanners, which limits their application in scanning entire surfaces accurately.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for multiframe surface measurement using multiple 3D scanners with reference objects, capturing images from different positions and perspectives, and merging them into a common coordinate system to align and calculate the shape and texture of complex objects, allowing for accurate positioning and orientation of scanning devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple 3D scanners are used to capture images from different positions, then the coverage area and measurement completeness are improved, but the system complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
A reference object with known characteristics is introduced as an intermediary between multiple 3D scanners. Each scanner captures images of the reference object along with the target object, enabling automatic determination of scanner position and orientation through pattern recognition and coordinate transformation, thereby simplifying the alignment process
Solution Approach 2:
The reference object serves as a known copy with predetermined characteristics that can be recognized and matched across multiple scanner views. This copy provides a common reference framework that enables automatic registration of images from different scanners without requiring complex manual calibration
2Measurement precision
If precise positioning and orientation sensors are used, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the cost and device bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and orientation sensors with an optical recognition system. By using a reference object with known characteristics that can be identified through image processing, the system determines scanner position and orientation optically rather than through bulky mechanical sensing devices
Solution Approach 2:
A virtual reference model of the reference object is created and stored. The actual captured images of the reference object are compared against this virtual model to automatically determine scanner position and orientation, replacing the need for physical positioning sensors
3Area of stationary object
If multiple scans from various angles are performed, then the complete surface coverage is improved, but the scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference object with known characteristics is prepared in advance and positioned in the scanning area. This preliminary setup enables automatic recognition and alignment during the scanning process, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-scan alignment and merging operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the reference object recognition to automatically adjust and determine scanner position and orientation in real-time during scanning. This feedback mechanism enables seamless coordination of multiple scanners, reducing idle time and optimizing the scanning process
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 accurate and efficient measurement of large and complex objects by merging multiple images in a common coordinate system, reducing scanning time and costs, and allowing for the scanning of objects that cannot be moved or touched, such as museum exhibits.
Implementation Method 1
The structured-light triangulation method of measuring the surface shape of material objects utilizes the projection of structured light onto the surface of the object... An image of structured light projected onto the surface of an object is captured by a camera in a direction different from the direction that the structured light is projected. The image is then analyzed to calculate the shape of the object's surface.
Implementation Method 2
The structured-light triangulation method of measuring the surface shape of material objects utilizes the projection of structured light onto the surface of the object... An image of structured light projected onto the surface of an object is captured by a camera
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method ate provided for the multiframe surface measurement of the shape of material objects. The system and method include capturing a plurality of images of portions of the surface of the object being measured and merging the captured images together in a common reference system, The shape and/or texture of a complex-shaped object can be measured using a 3D scanner by capturing multiple images from different perspectives and subsequently merging the images in a common coordinate system to align the merged images together. Alignment is achieved by capturing images of both a portion of the surface of the object and also of a reference object having known characteristics (e.g., shape and/ or texture). This allows the position and orientation of the object scanner to be determined in the coordinate system of the reference object.