Optical Flexibility Estimation from Target Deformation Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the degree of flexibility of a target using tactile sensors are costly due to the high expense of tactile sensors and require prior teaching of material and size information.
Innovation Solution
An estimation system utilizing an imager to capture images of a target with an object in the background, applying force to the target, calculating deformation based on image changes, and estimating flexibility using a calculator and estimator without a tactile sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tactile sensor is used to estimate the degree of flexibility of a target, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the tactile sensor (mechanical contact-based measurement system) with an imager-based optical measurement system. The imager captures images of the target before and during force application, and the calculator computes deformation amounts by analyzing image changes, thereby eliminating the need for expensive tactile sensors while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image copies (photographs) of the target to measure deformation instead of direct physical contact with tactile sensors. By capturing multiple images and comparing them, the system derives flexibility information from visual data, which is a cheaper and simpler alternative to tactile sensing
2Measurement precision
If a tactile sensor is used to estimate the degree of flexibility of a target, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an imager, which is significantly cheaper than a tactile sensor, to perform the measurement function. The system uses standard imaging equipment and computational algorithms instead of expensive specialized sensors, making the flexibility estimation system more affordable and easier to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the expensive mechanical tactile sensing system with a cheaper optical imaging system combined with computational analysis, thereby reducing cost while maintaining the ability to measure target flexibility
3Measurement precision
If teaching of material and size information is performed in advance using a tactile sensor, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time occurs during setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically acquire target information (material, size, shape) directly from the captured images and deformation analysis without requiring external teaching or pre-programming. The calculator and estimator work together to derive flexibility information autonomously from the imaging data, eliminating the time-consuming teaching process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs image capture and deformation calculation in real-time during the measurement process itself, rather than requiring preliminary teaching of target properties. The system extracts all necessary information from the imaging data during the actual measurement, avoiding separate setup time
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 cost-effective estimation of flexibility information by using an image sensor, eliminating the need for tactile sensors and prior teaching, and improving accuracy through various deformation calculation methods.
Implementation Method 1
an imager that captures images of a target in which an object appears in a background
Data Source
AI summary
An estimation system includes: an imager that captures images of a target in which an object appears in a background; an applier that applies force to the target; a calculator that calculates an amount of deformation of the target when the force is applied to the target, based on a change in the target with respect to the object in the images captured by the imager, the change resulting from the force being applied to the target; and an estimator that estimates, based on the amount of deformation calculated, information on a degree of flexibility of the target.