Optical Triangulation Trajectory Extension in Space-Time Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical triangulation methods for determining three-dimensional images of objects are limited by assumptions of perfect planarity and uniform reflectivity, and are sensitive to variations in reflection properties and secondary effects, and do not account for non-constant object velocities.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining the extension of trajectories in a space-time volume of images using a measuring system with a light source and sensor, where the trajectory extension is determined based on data recorded by the system, allowing for flexibility and accounting for secondary effects, without requiring orthographic sensors or constant velocities, by approximating trajectories as straight lines and using a reference object to calibrate the measurement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the original optical triangulation method is used with peak scanning, then the three-dimensional image can be generated, but the result is only correct when the object is perfectly planar and has uniform reflectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from analyzing two-dimensional images to analyzing three-dimensional space-time volumes by incorporating the time dimension. This allows trajectories to be extracted from the space-time volume, enabling accurate measurement of objects with varying reflectivity and non-planar surfaces by tracking feature points through multiple time instants rather than relying on peak scanning in single images
2Reliability
If space-time analysis is used to improve robustness, then sensitivity to reflection variations is reduced, but the method requires assuming straight line trajectories which may not hold for non-constant velocities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the trajectory extension dynamic by determining it from actual measured data rather than assuming a fixed straight line. The trajectory extension is calculated based on the measured positions of feature points across multiple time instants, allowing the method to adapt to non-constant velocities and curved trajectories while maintaining robustness through the space-time analysis approach
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reference object is used to determine trajectory extension from measured data, then flexibility is increased and secondary effects are accounted for, but the measurement process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by measuring a reference object with known properties before measuring the actual object. This preliminary action determines the trajectory extension parameters that are then used in the subsequent measurement process, simplifying the actual measurement while accounting for system-specific secondary effects and increasing flexibility
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
This approach enables the generation of accurate three-dimensional images that are less sensitive to reflection variations and secondary effects, allowing for flexible determination of trajectory extensions and reducing artefacts, thereby improving the quality of measured data.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor generates a measure image of the measure object at each time instant in a set of at least two subsequent time instants
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
The present invention relates to optical triangulation and in particular to a method for determining the extension of a trajectory in a space-time volume of measure images. The space-time volume of measure images is generated by a measuring method utilizing a measuring system comprising a first light source and a sensor. The measuring method comprises a step of, in a predetermined operating condition of the measuring system, moving a measure object along a first direction of movement in relation to the measuring system while the first light source illuminates the measure object whereby the sensor generates a measure image of the measure object at each time instant in a set of at least two subsequent time instants, thus generating said space-time volume of measure images wherein a feature point of the measure object maps to a trajectory in the space-time volume.