Panoramic Image Measurement Apparatus for Remote Feature Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image measurement techniques, such as non-prism total stations, face limitations in measuring features like cracks at remote locations with high precision, requiring manual alignment and labor-intensive processes, and struggle to maintain resolution across a wide range, especially in high-magnification measurements.
Innovation Solution
An image measurement apparatus that includes a measurement processing block for obtaining images with small movements, a feature extraction block for identifying feature portions, a partial-image creation block for grouping images, and a super-resolution-image creation block to enhance image resolution, allowing for automatic and precise three-dimensional measurement of features from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a non-prism total station is used for remote measurement, then measurement safety and accessibility to unreachable places are improved, but measurement precision and resolution deteriorate at distances greater than 30 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into multiple stages: first capturing a wide-area image to identify the target feature, then automatically zooming in to capture detailed images of the feature. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the resolution limitation of remote measurement by progressively focusing on the area of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary wide-area imaging and feature detection before detailed measurement. By first identifying the target feature in a wide-area image and calculating its coordinates, the system prepares the subsequent detailed imaging process, ensuring that the zoom operation is directed at the correct location without manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment and observation of each feature point is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time and labor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic feature detection and coordinate calculation without requiring manual alignment or observation by operators. The automatic measurement processing unit detects features in the wide-area image, calculates their coordinates, and directs the zoom operation automatically, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate manual labor while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an automated image processing system. Instead of manually directing the total station to each feature point, the system uses image recognition algorithms to automatically detect features and calculate coordinates, substituting human operation with automated computational processes.
3Measurement precision
If higher magnification or resolution camera is used, then feature measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and manual collimation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic zoom capability that allows the system to switch between wide-area imaging and detailed close-up imaging as needed. Rather than using a permanently high-magnification camera that would be complex and expensive, the system dynamically adjusts its magnification level based on the measurement stage, using the same camera for both wide-area surveying and detailed feature measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement processing block obtains a plurality of first images of the object to be measured, taken with very small movements in the imaging area. A feature extraction processing block extracts an approximate feature portion of the object from the first images obtained by the measurement processing block. A partial-image creation processing block creates a plurality of first partial images by grouping the plurality of first images obtained by the measurement processing block in the vicinity of the approximate feature portion extracted by the feature extraction processing block. A super-resolution-image creation processing block creates a super-resolution image from the plurality of first partial images created by the partial-image creation processing block. Thus, detailed features of the object are measured precisely and easily even when the object is located far away.