Tracker 3D Edge Coordinates from Multi-View 2D Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coordinate measuring devices, particularly trackers, face limitations in accurately determining 3D coordinates of continuous edges of objects based on 2D data obtained by tracker cameras, which are often limited in their ability to handle continuous lines and edges.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involve measuring 3D coordinates of multiple points using a tracker and capturing images from different frames of reference, identifying common edge lines, and determining 3D coordinates of points on these edges using image data from multiple camera poses, allowing for the reconstruction of 3D surface coordinates and adding color or graphical elements to visual representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a tracker uses only an interferometer without an absolute distance meter, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of distance measurement deteriorates when the light path is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an interferometer and an absolute distance meter into a single tracker system, allowing the system to use both measurement methods. The interferometer provides continuous relative distance measurements while the ADM provides absolute distance references, and they work together to maintain reliable distance measurement even when the light path is blocked temporarily.
2Reliability
If a tracker uses only an absolute distance meter without an interferometer, then the reliability of distance measurement is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to track continuous changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the absolute distance meter for reliable baseline measurements with the interferometer for precise continuous tracking. The ADM establishes accurate absolute distance references while the interferometer captures continuous relative changes with high precision, combining the strengths of both measurement methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tracker cameras are used to capture 2D images for determining 3D coordinates of continuous edges, then the measurement capability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to limitations in handling continuous lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous edge into multiple discrete 2D image points captured from multiple camera poses. By capturing images from different angles and identifying corresponding points across these images, the system converts the continuous edge detection problem into a series of discrete point matching problems that are easier to solve accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple camera poses (adding a temporal/dimensional dimension) to capture the same continuous edge from different viewpoints. This multi-view approach transforms the 2D image data into 3D spatial coordinates by triangulating corresponding points across multiple images, effectively using another dimension (camera position) to solve the measurement problem.
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 determination and reconstruction of 3D coordinates of continuous edges, improving the precision and capability of trackers in measuring complex object surfaces, and enhancing visual representations with color and graphical elements.
Implementation Method 1
A tracker is a particular type of coordinate-measuring device that tracks the retroreflector target with one or more beams it emits
Implementation Method 2
The distance is measured with a distance-measuring device such as an absolute distance meter or an interferometer
Data Source
AI summary
At each of three different locations, a tracker captures a 2D image an object and measures three points in space at each of three tracker locations relative to the object. Based on this information, the tracker determines, in an object frame of reference, three-dimensional coordinates of an arbitrary point on an edge line common to the three 2D images.