Two-Camera Photogrammetry for Non-Contact Deformation Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional deformation measurement methods using contacting sensors are cumbersome, expensive, and prone to inaccuracies due to the force exerted by the sensors, making it difficult to acquire accurate deformation data, especially when multiple measurements are required.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact deformation monitoring system utilizing two cameras in a fixed orientation, along with an artificial light source and a controller, to determine the locations of measurement points on an object through photogrammetry, allowing for precise deformation measurement without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contacting sensors (digital test indicators, linear variable differential transformers, strain gauges) are used to measure deformation, then measurement can be performed at specific locations, but the system becomes cumbersome, expensive, and the sensors exert force on the object affecting the deformation being measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contacting sensors with an optical imaging system using cameras to capture images of the object. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact between sensors and the object, removing the harmful forces that contacting sensors exert on the object during measurement. The optical system captures deformation information non-invasively through image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) as the medium between the measurement system and the object. Instead of direct mechanical contact, light carries information about the object's deformation from the object to the cameras. This intermediary enables measurement without physical interaction, eliminating the problem of sensor-induced deformation.
2Loss of information
If multiple contacting sensors are installed on the object to gain detailed understanding of deformation, then more measurement points can be monitored, but the wiring becomes cumbersome and prone to faults, and the process becomes time consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the object using cameras instead of installing multiple physical sensors on the object. Each camera captures an optical copy of the entire object or specific regions, allowing multiple measurement points to be monitored simultaneously without physical contact. This eliminates the need for complex wiring and sensor installation while maintaining complete deformation information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional point measurements by individual sensors to two-dimensional or three-dimensional surface measurements using optical imaging. The cameras capture deformation information across the entire object surface simultaneously, providing comprehensive deformation data without requiring multiple discrete sensors and their associated wiring.
3Measurement precision
If contacting sensors are used to measure deformation, then specific locations can be monitored, but the force exerted by sensors dramatically affects the deformation of the object in some cases, making it difficult to acquire accurate deformation data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contacting sensors with an optical imaging system that measures deformation without physical contact. The cameras capture images of the object's surface, and deformation is determined by analyzing changes in the positions of measurement points between images. This substitution completely eliminates the harmful forces that contacting sensors exert on the object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light as an intermediary to transfer deformation information from the object to the measurement system without mechanical contact. Light reflects off the object's surface and carries deformation information to the cameras, enabling accurate measurement without the sensor exerting any force on the object.
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, efficient, and automated deformation measurement of objects with reduced latency and increased reliability, capable of monitoring multiple points simultaneously and adapting to varying light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
determining a location of measurement points on the object based on the imaging by the first and second cameras can comprise a photogrammetry process or the like
Data Source
AI summary
A deformation monitoring system for measuring deformation of an object, the system comprising: a first camera arranged to capture a first image of an object; a second camera arranged to capture a second image of the object, the second camera being in a known orientation relative to the first camera; and a controller arranged to cause the deformation monitoring system to carry out the steps of; imaging the object with the first camera at a first time; imaging the object with the second camera at the first time; determining a first location of a first measurement point on the object at the first time and a first location of a second measurement point on the object at the first time based on the imaging by the first and second cameras at the first time; imaging the object with the first camera at a second time distinct from the first time; imaging the object with the second camera at the second time; determining a location of the first measurement point on the object at the second time and the second measurement point on the object at the second time based on the imaging by the first and second cameras at the second time; and determining a deformation of the object based on the locations of the first and second measurement points at the first and second times.