Rock Specimen Digital Modeling via Multi-Angle Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing core sample scanners are bulky, costly, and inefficient for capturing three-dimensional images of non-cylindrical core samples, requiring manual manipulation and increasing scanning time, while being prone to mechanical failures and weight issues due to complex moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A device with an inner chamber and specimen support structure that allows for upright orientation of core samples, using multiple digital imaging devices and a control system to capture digital images with intersecting illumination patterns, enabling efficient processing into a three-dimensional model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional roller-based core sample scanners are used to capture three-dimensional images, then mechanical support and rotation of core samples is enabled, but device complexity increases due to numerous moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical roller-based rotation system with an optical scanning approach. Multiple digital imaging devices are positioned around a stationary core sample holder, eliminating motors, rollers, and bearings while achieving three-dimensional image capture through coordinated photography from multiple angles
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system is divided into multiple independent digital imaging devices positioned at different locations around the core sample. Each device captures images independently, and the results are computationally integrated to form a complete three-dimensional model, replacing the single mechanical rotation system
2Ease of operation
If roller-based mechanical systems are used for core sample scanning, then core samples can be rotated for imaging, but reliability decreases due to mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical rotation system entirely, replacing it with a stationary multi-camera setup. Core samples remain fixed in a simple holder while digital imaging devices capture images from multiple positions, removing all moving parts that could fail
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically rotating the core sample, the system creates multiple digital copies or views of the sample from different angles simultaneously. These digital representations are then integrated to form a complete three-dimensional model without requiring physical movement of the sample
3Measurement precision
If bulky scanner equipment is used for core sample imaging, then three-dimensional scanning capability is achieved, but portability to remote locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system is segmented into multiple lightweight digital imaging devices positioned around the sample rather than requiring a single large, heavy scanner unit. This modular approach reduces overall weight and improves portability while maintaining three-dimensional scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple lightweight digital cameras to capture images from different positions, replacing the need for heavy mechanical scanning equipment. The computational integration of these lighter digital copies achieves the same measurement precision as bulky traditional scanners
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual manipulation is required for non-cylindrical core samples, then scanning can be performed, but scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an optical system that captures images of samples in any orientation. Multiple digital imaging devices positioned around a stationary holder can photograph non-cylindrical samples from all angles simultaneously without requiring physical rotation or repositioning by operators
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically positions multiple digital imaging devices around the sample to capture images from optimal angles for complex geometries. This dynamic imaging approach adapts to various sample shapes automatically, eliminating the need for manual repositioning while maintaining scanning efficiency
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 rapid and efficient capture of digital images of core samples, including non-cylindrical ones, reducing scanning time and maintenance costs, and allowing for remote access and analysis of virtual core models.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination system associated with the chamber and switchable between a first illumination state and a second illumination state and comprising a plurality of illumination sources spaced around the region of interest, the illumination sources operable to direct intersecting illumination patterns into the region of interest
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for capturing digital images of a rock specimen in a region of interest. The device includes an inner chamber having a wall surrounding the region of interest, the chamber having a specimen support structure at the bottom of the region of interest and an open top opposite the specimen support structure, the specimen support structure dimensioned to receive and support an elongate core sample in an upright orientation within the region of interest; an imaging system associated with the chamber and comprising multiple digital imaging devices spaced around the region of interest, each digital imaging device oriented to have a respective field of view encompassing the region of interest; an illumination system associated with the chamber and switchable between a first illumination state and a second illumination state and comprising a plurality of illumination sources spaced around the region of interest, the illumination sources operable to direct intersecting illumination patterns into the region of interest; and a control system coordinating the imaging system and the illumination system to capture a first set of digital images during the first illumination state and a second set of images during the second illumination state. Systems, methods and computer-readable media are also disclosed.