Tool Positioning Using Structural Features Instead of Physical Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the position of an inspection instrument relative to a structure require manual installation of physical markers, which is impractical for large or hard-to-access structures, necessitating a marker-free system for accurate positioning.
Innovation Solution
A tool positioning system utilizing two or more cameras to capture images of a structure from unique viewing perspectives, comparing them to an as-designed digital model to recognize structural features and define the geometric relationship between the cameras and the structure, thereby establishing the tool's position without the need for physical markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical markers or targets are manually installed on the structure to determine the position of the inspection instrument, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the difficulty and impracticality of manual installation on large or hard-to-access structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from physical markers and implements it through digital image processing. Instead of requiring physical markers to be attached to the structure, the system uses the structure's own geometric features visible in images from multiple cameras to compute positioning, thereby eliminating the manual installation step while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical markers with an optical-digital system. Multiple cameras capture images of the structure, and computer vision algorithms process these images to identify geometric features and calculate the inspection instrument's position, substituting mechanical marker installation with automated image-based positioning
2Measurement precision
If physical markers are installed on multiple regions of large structures to ensure accurate positioning, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to the time-consuming manual installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service positioning by using the structure's own geometric features as reference points. The structure itself provides the necessary reference information through its visible geometric features in camera images, eliminating the need for external markers and allowing immediate positioning without manual preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing the as-designed digital model of the structure with its geometric features. This pre-prepared digital reference enables rapid comparison with captured images and immediate positioning calculation, eliminating the time required for manual marker installation and setup
3Measurement precision
If multiple physical targets are applied to structures with large surface areas to maintain positioning accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional components required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the same multiple-camera system for both capturing inspection images and determining positioning information. The cameras serve dual purposes: documenting the structure's condition and providing geometric data for position calculation, thereby eliminating the need for separate positioning markers and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a digital copy of the structure's geometric features from the as-designed digital model as a reference for positioning. This virtual reference replaces the need for physical copies or markers on the actual structure, simplifying the system while maintaining positioning accuracy through digital comparison of geometric features
Data Source
AI summary
A tool positioning system comprises a processor and two or more cameras. The cameras are includable with a tool that is spaced apart from a structure. Each camera is configured to capture an image of a local region of the structure from a unique viewing perspective. The processor compares the images to an as-designed digital model of the structure and recognize one or more structural features that appear in every image. In addition, the processor extracts a nominal three-dimensional location of the one or more structural features from the as-designed digital model, and define a geometric relationship between the cameras and the structure based on the nominal three-dimensional location of the one or more structural features, to thereby establish the position of the tool relative to the structure.