Multi-Sensor Surface Finish Evaluation for Accurate Plaster Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for evaluating the finish quality of plaster, gypsum, stucco, cement, and paint surfaces are inefficient and lack the ability to accurately assess qualities such as roughness, sheen, reflectivity, planarity, and texture, which are crucial for achieving visually appealing results.

Innovation Solution

A surface quality evaluation system utilizing sensors like RGB cameras, stereo cameras, structured light cameras, profilometry sensors, thermal cameras, laser measurements, conductivity sensors, and 3D scanners to measure and evaluate surface finish qualities, integrated with a robotic manipulator and mobile base for precise positioning and data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If automated sensing systems are used to evaluate surface finish quality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface finish quality assessment accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation system is segmented into multiple specialized sensors (RGB camera, stereo camera, structured light camera, profilometry sensor, thermal camera, laser measurement device, conductivity sensor, 3D scanner), each optimized for detecting specific surface properties. This segmentation allows high measurement precision for different surface finish qualities while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic manipulator serves multiple functions: it positions the evaluation system, moves the base, and coordinates sensor operations. The mobile base provides universal mobility support for the entire evaluation system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms, balancing measurement precision with device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are integrated for comprehensive surface evaluation, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface finish quality assessment accuracyVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensors (RGB camera, stereo camera, structured light camera, profilometry sensor, thermal camera, laser measurement device, conductivity sensor, 3D scanner) are merged into a single integrated evaluation system mounted on the mobile base. The robotic manipulator coordinates all sensors simultaneously, allowing comprehensive surface finish quality assessment while simplifying operation through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-positioning and self-evaluation through the robotic manipulator that automatically navigates the mobile base to optimal measurement positions and coordinates sensor operations without requiring manual intervention for each measurement point, improving ease of operation while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If robotic manipulator with mobile base is used for precise positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidevaluation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic manipulator continuously moves the mobile base through the evaluation space while sensors continuously capture surface data, eliminating idle positioning time. The system maintains continuous measurement action across the entire surface, improving productivity while preserving positioning accuracy through controlled continuous motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic manipulator dynamically adjusts its movement speed and positioning based on the evaluation requirements, moving faster during transitions between measurement zones and slowing down during critical measurement points. This dynamic operation maintains manufacturing precision while maximizing overall evaluation speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 assessment of surface finish qualities, allowing for improved alignment with human perception and enabling automated systems to adjust and refine the finish to meet desired standards, enhancing the overall quality of plaster, gypsum, stucco, cement, and paint surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

RGB cameras

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

structured light cameras

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection and reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

laser measurements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 4

laser measurements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 5

thermal cameras

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12576541B2Surface finish quality evaluation system and method
Publication Date: 2026.03.17 JLG IND INC
  • US12576541B2 patent drawing
  • US12576541B2 patent drawing
  • US12576541B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A surface evaluation system that includes one or more vision systems that generate target surface data during evaluation of a surface, the one or more vision systems comprising two or more of: at least one light, a camera, a structured light camera, a laser scanner and a 3D scanner.