Vehicle Underbody Inspection Using 3D Depth Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing a vehicle underbody often fail to effectively capture three-dimensional information, especially for the middle part, and require complex setups or long-term calibration, which are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method using a camera device to capture images of the vehicle underbody while it is in motion, generating a three-dimensional depth image and employing optical image recognition for inspection, without the need for laser line transmitters or stable calibration, allowing for automated inspection without stopping the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras in predefined arrangements or laser line transmitters are used to capture three-dimensional information, then the quality of three-dimensional data is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of capturing three-dimensional information from complex multi-camera or laser-based systems, implementing it through a single camera device that records images at different positions along the vehicle's path, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex hardware configurations, the patent creates multiple virtual camera positions by moving a single camera device along the vehicle's underbody, capturing images at different locations and reconstructing three-dimensional information from these sequential two-dimensional images
2Ease of operation
If manual-visual inspection with mobile devices is used, then mobility is improved, but the ability to reach the central part of the vehicle's underbody deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera device is pre-positioned on the road surface at multiple predetermined locations along the vehicle's expected path, allowing it to capture images of different underbody areas as the vehicle passes over, thereby expanding coverage while maintaining simplicity and mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The road surface serves as an intermediary platform, supporting the camera device at multiple positions and enabling the system to capture images of the entire underbody area including the central part, while the vehicle itself acts as the moving carrier that brings different underbody regions into the camera's field of view
3Productivity
If automated inspection systems are implemented, then inspection efficiency is improved, but the cost and complexity of calibration and setup increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own motion and position information, already available from the inspection process, to automatically determine the camera's position and orientation, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex setup procedures while maintaining automated inspection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from static calibration to dynamic parameter determination, where camera position and orientation parameters are continuously updated based on the vehicle's real-time motion and the known positions of the camera device on the road surface, enabling automated inspection without complex calibration
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
This approach provides a cost-effective, high-resolution three-dimensional model of the underbody, enabling efficient inspection and comparison with reference data, while reducing costs by focusing solely on the underside of the vehicle and allowing for real-time monitoring at low speeds.
Implementation Method 1
capturing at least one image of at least one area of the underbody of the motor vehicle using a camera device
Implementation Method 2
generating a three-dimensional depth image based on the at least one captured image of the at least one area of the underbody of the motor vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for testing a vehicle underbody (U) of a motor vehicle (10), involving the following method steps: acquiring (S1) at least one image (KFa1, KFb1, KFc1, KFd1) of at least one region of the vehicle underbody (U) of the motor vehicle (10) by means of a camera device (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d); generating (S2) a three-dimensional depth image with the aid of the at least one acquired image (KFa1, KFb1, KFc1, KFd1) of the at least one region of the vehicle underbody (U) of the motor vehicle (10); and testing (S3) the at least one region of the vehicle underbody (U) of the motor vehicle (10) with the aid of the generated three-dimensional depth image of the vehicle underbody (U) by means of optical image recognition.