Portable Jointed Arm Camera Laser Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement methods using jointed arms require displacement and contact with objects, leading to inefficiencies and measurement errors due to the need for multiple contact points and mechanical adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A portable measurement device with a camera on an immobile jointed arm captures two-dimensional images and uses laser distance measurements in conjunction with arm displacements for photogrammetry to create accurate three-dimensional object models without the need for arm displacement at each measurement point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If contact measurement probes or mechanically attached measurement probes are used on jointed arms, then measurement data can be recorded at different points, but the jointed arm must be displaced between measurement points which reduces measurement efficiency and increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact measurement probes with an optical measurement system consisting of a camera and laser distance sensor. The camera captures images of the object while the laser sensor measures distances, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and arm displacement between measurement points. This optical substitution enables simultaneous capture of multiple measurement data points, significantly improving measurement efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the object using a camera instead of physically contacting the object with measurement probes. By capturing images from different angles and positions, the system creates a comprehensive visual representation that can be analyzed to extract measurement data without requiring physical displacement of measurement equipment between points.
2Measurement precision
If jointed arms are displaced between measurement points, then different measurement points can be accessed, but measurement errors increase due to mechanical adjustments and multiple contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical contact measurement probes and replaces them with an optical measurement system. The camera captures images and the laser distance sensor measures distances without physical contact, eliminating errors introduced by mechanical adjustments, probe contact forces, and positioning inaccuracies. This non-contact approach significantly improves measurement precision and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional photogrammetry methods are used without laser distance measurement, then three-dimensional images can be created, but the device complexity increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera and laser distance sensor into a single integrated measurement head mounted on the jointed arm. This combination allows simultaneous capture of image data and distance information, simplifying the overall system architecture. The integrated design reduces the number of separate components needed, improving portability while maintaining measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser distance sensor acts as an intermediary that provides accurate distance information to complement the camera's image data. By measuring the distance from the camera to the object, the laser sensor enables accurate three-dimensional reconstruction without requiring complex calibration procedures or multiple cameras, thus simplifying the system while improving portability.
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 method allows for precise, efficient, and reproducible measurements of objects without external calibration, enabling accurate dimensioning and imaging of complex shapes like punched sheet metal items and holes, with reduced error and increased portability.
Implementation Method 1
the camera is provided with a laser measuring means for measuring the distance between the object and the camera
Implementation Method 2
laser measuring means for measuring the distance between the object and the camera
Implementation Method 3
a camera is arranged on a jointed arm with a support that is immobile during the measurement in order to take two-dimensional images of the object that is to be measured
Implementation Method 4
create a three-dimensional image of the object with the aid of photogrammetry and images taken from different views of the same object
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a device for the accurate measurement of objects, where, according to the invention, a camera (4) is arranged on a manually operated portable jointed arm (1) in order to take two-dimensional images of the object that is to be measured and where the measurements are carried out based on the two-dimensional images taken with the camera (4) and based on the displacements that are carried out by the jointed arm (1) during the measurements.