Triangulation System Real-Time Height Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current height triangulation systems face challenges in balancing speed and accuracy, with dedicated cameras either offering low accuracy at high speeds or high accuracy at unacceptably slow speeds, and lacking flexibility to meet future application needs.
Innovation Solution
A triangulation system comprising an area camera, a communication interface, and two image processing modules that process images in real-time and non-real-time to provide height information, using a CoaXPress protocol for high-speed data transfer and standard hardware to achieve high throughput and accuracy without the need for dedicated height calculation by the camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated 3D camera implements high resolution accurate 3D reconstruction algorithm, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates (data rate reduced to 1K fps)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D reconstruction process into two distinct modules: a first image processing module that performs real-time processing at high data rates for initial height estimates, and a second image processing module that performs non-real-time processing for refined accurate 3D reconstruction. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The first image processing module performs preliminary real-time processing to generate initial height estimates at high data rates (24K fps), which then serve as input for the second module's more computationally intensive accurate reconstruction. This preliminary action enables the system to maintain high productivity while still achieving high measurement precision in the final output.
2Productivity
If a dedicated 3D camera implements trivial low accuracy 3D reconstruction algorithm, then productivity is improved (data rate 24K fps), but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing into two stages: the first module handles real-time processing at 24K fps with simplified algorithms to maintain high productivity, while the second module performs computationally intensive accurate reconstruction without real-time constraints, thus achieving both high data rate and high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The first image processing module performs preliminary processing at high speed to generate initial estimates, which are then refined by the second module. This allows the system to maintain high productivity at the data acquisition stage while achieving high accuracy in the final reconstruction.
3Measurement precision
If custom-dedicated acquisition and processing designs are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a standard area camera capable of operating in multiple modes (2D imaging and 3D triangulation) rather than a dedicated 3D camera. The same hardware platform can serve different application needs by switching between processing modes, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision through software-based processing differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different processing capabilities by changing operational parameters rather than hardware configuration. The first image processing module operates with real-time parameters for high-speed processing, while the second module uses non-real-time parameters for accurate reconstruction, allowing a single hardware platform to deliver both performance levels.
4Device complexity
If standard area camera is used instead of dedicated 3D camera, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a standard area camera multi-functional by implementing two distinct processing modes: real-time processing for high-speed applications and non-real-time processing for high-accuracy applications. This universality allows the same simplified hardware to achieve dedicated 3D camera performance when needed, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system compensates for the simpler hardware by dynamically changing processing parameters. The first module uses real-time parameters optimized for speed, while the second module switches to non-real-time parameters optimized for accuracy, enabling the standard camera to achieve precision levels previously requiring dedicated hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A triangulation system comprising an area camera, a communication interface, a first image processing module, a second image processing module; wherein the area camera is arranged to obtain, at an acquisition rate, a stream of images of illuminated regions of an object; wherein the area camera is prevented from performing height calculations; wherein the communication interface is arranged to convey, in real time thereby in correspondence to the acquisition rate, the stream of images from the area camera to the first image processing module; wherein the first image processing module is arranged to process, in real time, the stream of images to provide first compressed information; wherein the second image processing module is arranged to process, at a non-real time image processing rate, the first compressed information to provide height information indicative of heights of at least the illuminated regions of the object.