Parallel Image Measurement for Radial Cable Insulation Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional measurement methods for the insulating layer thickness of radial symmetrical cable sections are inaccurate and time-consuming, lacking the ability to perform real-time, high-precision calculations due to limitations in technology and equipment availability, especially in the Chinese market.
Innovation Solution
A parallel image measurement method utilizing machine vision and GPU multi-core parallel platforms for non-contact, high-accuracy measurement of insulating layer thickness, involving image analysis, B-spline curve fitting, and statistical methods to calculate maximum, minimum, and average thickness values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods (caliper, micrometer, reading microscope) are used to measure insulating layer thickness, then the measurement process is simple and equipment cost is low, but measurement accuracy is insufficient and only limited points can be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement tools (caliper, micrometer, reading microscope) with a digital projector and machine vision system. The digital projector projects structured light patterns onto the cable cross-section, and the machine vision system captures and processes the deformed light patterns to calculate insulating layer thickness, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact and manual reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the cable cross-section by projecting structured light patterns and capturing the deformed patterns with a camera. The three-dimensional shape information is copied into digital image data, which can then be processed by algorithms to extract thickness measurements without physically touching the object.
2Productivity
If traditional measurement methods are used, then equipment cost is low, but measurement time is long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement by integrating the digital projector and machine vision system into an automated inspection setup. The system can continuously capture images of cable cross-sections as they pass through, process the images in real-time, and generate thickness measurements without interruption, transforming discrete manual measurements into a continuous automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual operations (positioning, measuring, reading, recording) with automated image capture and digital processing. The machine vision system automatically captures the entire cross-section, algorithms automatically calculate thickness at multiple points, and results are immediately available, eliminating the sequential manual steps that limited measurement speed.
3Reliability
If manual measurement operations are performed, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but measurement results are unstable and operator-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement operations with an automated machine vision system that captures images and processes them through standardized algorithms. This eliminates operator subjectivity, fatigue, and skill variations, ensuring that the same measurement criteria are consistently applied to every cable cross-section regardless of who operates the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop measurement system where the digital projector projects structured light patterns, the camera captures the deformed patterns, processing algorithms analyze the deformation to calculate thickness, and the results can be used to provide feedback for quality control. This automated feedback loop ensures consistent application of measurement standards and enables real-time quality monitoring.
4Measurement precision
If foreign HD industrial camera systems are adopted for high-precision measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but equipment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive foreign HD industrial camera systems with a domestically developed machine vision system using a digital projector and standard industrial camera. The system achieves comparable measurement accuracy through innovative use of structured light projection and image processing algorithms, providing a cost-effective alternative that eliminates dependence on expensive imported equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach to achieving high-precision measurement by shifting from relying on expensive high-resolution cameras to using a digital projector that creates structured light patterns. The measurement precision is achieved through the projection pattern design and image processing algorithms rather than solely through camera resolution, allowing the use of more affordable equipment while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a parallel image measurement method oriented to the insulating layer thickness of a radial symmetrical cable section. The method conducts the non-contact high-accuracy measurement based on the machine vision and the image analysis, adopts a GPU multi-core parallel platform for the high-speed measurement, extracts the useful information from the section image of the radial symmetrical cable, and then measures the insulating layer thickness. Compared with the prior art, the present patent can lower the time consumed for the accurate measurement, fill in the blank of the high-accuracy parallel image measurement of the insulating layer thickness of the radial symmetrical cable section in the domestic cable industry, break down the monopoly and technology blockade by related foreign manufacturers and improve the technology level of on-line testing of product quality in China, expedite the production automation progress of domestic manufacturer.