Measurement Apparatus Using ToF Normal Line Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing apparatuses face reduced measurement accuracy due to the positional relationship between the apparatus and measurement targets, particularly when perspective representation is used, leading to errors in spatial resolution and measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus and method that captures images from multiple viewpoints to derive distance information and normal line data of a target subject, presenting a notification for optimal image capturing direction to improve measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If perspective representation is used for capturing measurement target, then the image capturing apparatus can capture the target from a distance, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to spatial resolution loss and depth direction errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image-based measurement to three-dimensional measurement by incorporating depth information through time-of-flight (ToF) distance measurements. This allows the system to measure spatial distances between points in 3D space, compensating for the spatial resolution loss that occurs when capturing distant subjects in perspective view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ToF distance measurement unit as an intermediary that provides accurate depth information for each pixel. This intermediary measurement mechanism compensates for the inaccuracies introduced by perspective projection, enabling precise spatial distance calculations even when the subject is captured from a distance with reduced spatial resolution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two points with different depth directions are measured based on perspective image, then the image capturing range is covered, but measurement error increases due to spatial resolution degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by using the ToF distance measurement results to correct and refine the spatial position calculations. The distance information obtained from each pixel serves as feedback that compensates for the measurement errors introduced by perspective projection, allowing accurate spatial distance measurement across the entire image capturing range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from relying solely on 2D image coordinates to using a combination of 2D image coordinates and 3D distance information. By incorporating the distance parameter obtained through ToF measurement, the system can accurately calculate spatial distances between points regardless of their depth directions or spatial resolution in the captured image.
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
The solution enables accurate measurement results by determining the appropriate image capturing direction based on normal line information, enhancing spatial resolution and reducing measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring a three-dimensional position of the subject at each pixel position by deriving a distance (subject distance) from the image capturing apparatus based on a group of images having a parallax relationship
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement apparatus operable to perform measurement concerning a predetermined item for a target subject which is a measurement target. The apparatus comprises an acquisition unit configured to, for a captured image acquired by capturing of an image capturing range that includes the target subject, acquire distance information indicating a distribution of a subject distance from an image capturing apparatus that performed the capturing and, at least, normal line information that indicates a normal line of a surface of the target subject; and a presentation unit configured to present a notification that indicates an image capturing direction of the image capturing apparatus for performing measurement of the predetermined item based on the normal line information acquired by the acquisition unit.