Tunnel Imaging Control for Consistent Spatial Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems struggle to ensure consistent spatial resolution for capturing images of structures like bridges, roads, tunnels, and buildings, leading to inadequate detection of damage states due to varying distances and angles.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus equipped with a camera, distance measurer, and processor that performs split imaging to determine the detectability of targets, adjusts focusing and focal length based on distance measurements, and repositions the camera to maintain spatial resolution within allowable ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the imaging apparatus captures images of structures at varying distances and angles, then the imaging apparatus can cover a wider area and capture more structural information, but the spatial resolution of the captured images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple segments: first imaging at initial conditions to capture broad structural information, then second imaging at adjusted conditions (different distance or angle) to capture detailed spatial resolution of specific regions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both wide coverage and high resolution by processing different parts of the imaging task separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts imaging conditions based on real-time distance measurement. The processor determines whether to perform second imaging by evaluating the distance between the imaging apparatus and the structure, and whether the target of interest is detectable in the first image. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high spatial resolution where needed while capturing broad area information where appropriate.
2Measurement precision
If the imaging apparatus performs detailed imaging to ensure high spatial resolution, then the detection accuracy of structural damage improves, but the imaging time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary first imaging under initial conditions to capture overall structural information and identify potential targets of interest. The processor then uses distance measurement and detectability determination to decide whether detailed second imaging is necessary. This preliminary action filters out cases where high resolution is not needed, reducing unnecessary imaging time while maintaining detection accuracy when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors distance measurement signals and detectability results to determine whether second imaging is necessary. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts imaging operations, performing detailed imaging only when the target is detectable and spatial resolution is insufficient, thereby optimizing the balance between detection accuracy and imaging time.
3Manufacturing precision
If the imaging apparatus adjusts focusing and focal length to maintain spatial resolution, then the quality of captured images improves, but the device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service control where the imaging apparatus automatically adjusts focusing and focal length based on distance measurement signals processed by the processor. The system uses the distance information to autonomously determine appropriate imaging conditions for the second imaging operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing control complexity through automated feedback-based adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an imaging apparatus and an imaging method that capture an image in which a target of interest of a subject is detectable. An imaging apparatus includes a camera (10), a distance measurer (20) that measures a distance to wall surfaces (T1, T2) of a tunnel (2), and a processor. The processor is configured to cause the camera (10) to execute first imaging in which split imaging is spatially performed on the tunnel (2) to acquire a captured image, determine whether or not a target of interest is detectable from the captured image based on a distance measurement signal of the distance measurer (20), and cause the camera (10) to execute second imaging, which has an imaging condition different from that of the first imaging, for an imaging range of the tunnel (2) for which the determination is determined to be negative.