Reflective Area Identification via Projected Pattern Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for identifying reflective areas, such as mirrors or water surfaces, in three-dimensional shape measurement are inadequate, particularly in environments where imaging-environment-dependent data is not available, and require costly adjustments for different settings.

Innovation Solution

An area identifying device that projects a pattern and captures images to calculate motion vectors, identifying reflective areas by determining differences in pattern appearances and brightness values, allowing for identification without relying on specific imaging environment data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a method comparing luminance distribution of normal reflection light is used to identify reflective areas, then reflective areas can be identified, but the method requires imaging-environment-dependent data and incurs additional costs for different imaging settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereflective area identification accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to different imaging environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional optical measurement method (comparing luminance distribution of normal reflection light) with a motion-based identification method. By projecting a moving pattern and analyzing the motion vectors of reflected light, the system can identify reflective areas without relying on imaging-environment-dependent luminance data, thus achieving environment-independent identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the identification parameter from luminance distribution (which varies with imaging environment) to motion vector characteristics (which remain consistent across environments). By using the motion of projected patterns and analyzing how reflective surfaces alter this motion, the system achieves adaptive identification that works across different imaging settings without requiring recalibration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a method using luminance distribution comparison is employed, then reflective areas can be identified, but it requires costly adjustments and specific imaging environment data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereflective area identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem implementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex optical measurement systems with a simpler motion-based approach. By using a standard imaging device to capture moving patterns and analyzing motion vectors, the system eliminates the need for expensive imaging-environment-dependent equipment while maintaining identification accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the motion information inherently present in the projected pattern itself to identify reflective areas. The moving pattern serves as both the measurement tool and the reference, allowing the system to self-calibrate and identify reflective surfaces without requiring external calibration data or expensive specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effective identification of reflective areas without additional costs, facilitating three-dimensional shape measurement in various environments using standard imaging devices like cameras, and accommodating slight coordinate system inconsistencies.

Implementation Method 1

a projecting unit configured to project a pattern so that the pattern performs a predetermined movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

an image capturing unit configured to capture, in sequential order, multiple images of an area on which the pattern is projected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9445008B2Device, method, and computer readable medium for area identification using motion from a projected pattern

Publication Date: 2016.09.13 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

An area identifying device includes a projecting unit, an image capturing unit, a calculating unit, and an identifying unit. The projecting unit is configured to project a pattern so that the pattern performs a predetermined movement. The image capturing unit is configured to capture, in sequential order, multiple images of a projection area on which the pattern is projected, each image including a plurality of image areas. The calculating unit is configured to calculate an amount of change of pattern appearances for each image area in the multiple images. The identifying unit is configured to identify, as a reflective area, at least one image area having a different amount of change of the pattern appearances from a reference amount of change of the pattern appearances based on the predetermined movement, among the calculated amounts of change of the pattern appearances.