Stereoscopic Line Scan Imaging for High-Speed 3D Pavement Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pavement assessment systems either provide two-dimensional images or discrete point measurements, failing to capture the entire pavement surface accurately and efficiently, especially at high speeds, which limits their effectiveness in detecting distresses and measuring surface roughness and texture.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed pavement stereoscopic line scan imaging system that uses multiple stereoscopic image capturing devices and synchronized illumination to generate three-dimensional images of the pavement surface, incorporating positioning sensors for movement encoding and computer processing to calculate 3D elevation and assess surface quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If imaging systems use high resolution line scan cameras to capture entire pavement area, then surface data completeness is improved, but measurement precision for 3D elevation is lost due to 2D imaging limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D imaging to 3D measurement by incorporating stereo vision technology. Two cameras are positioned at different horizontal locations to capture images from different viewpoints, enabling extraction of 3D elevation information through disparity calculation while maintaining complete surface coverage.
2Measurement precision
If profiling systems use laser triangulation to measure discrete points, then 3D measurement precision is improved, but surface coverage is reduced as only fixed interval points are measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying through camera imaging to capture continuous surface information. Instead of physical laser scanning at discrete points, the system captures complete surface images from two viewpoints and extracts elevation data from the optical copies, achieving both complete coverage and 3D precision.
3Measurement precision
If conventional stereoscopic systems use two cameras for 3D extraction, then 3D measurement capability is improved, but operation speed is reduced making them unsuitable for highway speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with a streamlined optical system. By using two cameras positioned horizontally and implementing efficient image processing algorithms for disparity calculation, the system achieves high-speed 3D scanning capability suitable for highway speeds while maintaining measurement precision.
4Productivity
If survey vehicles travel at high speeds for timely maintenance, then productivity is improved, but measurement accuracy is compromised due to motion blur and synchronization issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization of the two cameras before data collection begins. By pre-calibrating the camera positions and establishing synchronization protocols, the system eliminates motion-related errors during high-speed operation, maintaining measurement accuracy while achieving high productivity.
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 accurate, high-speed collection and assessment of pavement surface data, effectively detecting distresses and measuring surface roughness and texture, improving the timeliness and precision of road maintenance by providing comprehensive 3D images.
Implementation Method 1
stereoscopic image capturing devices mounted on the survey platform, capture images of the illuminated pavement surface
Implementation Method 2
An illumination module, comprising at least one light source, is provided on the platform
Implementation Method 3
Distance Measurement Instruments (DMI), such as a combination of positioning sensors, encode the movement of the survey vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a mobile pavement surface scanning system and method, In an embodiment, the system comprises one or more stereoscopic image capturing devices synchronised with one or more light sources mounted on the platform for illuminating a pavement surface, mounted on a mobile survey platform that provides a trigger mechanism to capture sequential image pairs of the illuminated pavement surface and a movement sensor that continuously measures the movement of the platform and a synchronization signal for time or distance synchronized image capture with accurate GPS positioning. One or more computers process the synchronized images captured stamps the images with one or more of time and distance data, GPS location and calculated 3D elevation for each point on the pavement surface using stereoscopic principles, and assesses the quality of the pavement surface to determine the level of pavement surface deterioration.