Vehicle Imaging Station for Structured-Light Dent and Scratch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle imaging stations have a large mechanical footprint and are time-consuming, often failing to efficiently capture both scratches and dents in a single process.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle imaging station with a tunnel structure containing structured and non-structured light sources and cameras, utilizing a non-reflective surface to differentiate light reflection areas for dent and scratch detection, allowing simultaneous imaging of both damages in a single pass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing vehicle imaging stations use traditional lighting and camera arrangements, then they can capture vehicle damage, but they have a large mechanical footprint and are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines dent detection and scratch detection into a single imaging process by using both structured light and non-structured light sources simultaneously. The first camera captures structured light reflections for dent detection while the second camera captures non-structured light reflections for scratch detection, both occurring in one pass through the tunnel, thereby improving productivity without increasing the mechanical footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel is divided into distinct optical zones: a structured light portion where the first camera captures dent information through structured light reflections, and a non-structured light portion where the second camera captures scratch information. This segmentation allows different detection functions to operate simultaneously in separate optical zones within the same physical space
2Measurement precision
If a single light source is used for both dent and scratch detection, then the imaging process is simplified, but light reflection interference affects detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the tunnel are assigned different optical characteristics: the structured light portion provides controlled structured light reflections for dent detection, while the non-structured light portion provides diffuse reflections for scratch detection. This local differentiation of optical quality allows each camera to receive appropriate lighting conditions for its specific detection function, maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The non-reflective, non-illuminating surface acts as an intermediary element that scatters structured light to create non-structured light reflections for the second camera, while preventing direct structured light reflections from reaching the second camera. This intermediary surface enables the single light source to serve both detection functions without creating harmful light reflection interference
3Measurement precision
If the second camera observes the structured light portion, then it can capture light reflections, but direct structured light reflections adversely affect scratch observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful direct structured light reflections from the second camera's field of view by positioning it in the non-structured light portion of the tunnel. The non-reflective surface blocks the direct path of structured light reflections to the second camera, effectively removing this interference while preserving the useful scattered light reflections for scratch detection
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 detection of both dents and scratches on vehicles with a compact design, reducing time and mechanical footprint while improving imaging accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a structured light source arranged to direct structured light at the vehicle pathway for illuminating a vehicle on the pathway with a structured light image
Implementation Method 2
a non-reflective, non-illuminating surface within the tunnel on a same side of the central axis of the vehicle pathway as the second camera... The non-reflective, non-illuminating surface can be any surface that scatters more light than it reflects
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle imaging station for capturing images of scratches and dents on a vehicle, the vehicle imaging station including a tunnel having an entrance and an exit, and a structured light source. The station has a first camera arranged with a field of view comprising/containing/encompassing a structured light portion of the tunnel volume in which the structured light image will be reflected to be visible to the first camera by a vehicle moving along the vehicle pathway, and a second camera arranged with a field of view comprising a non-structured light portion of the tunnel volume in which the structured light image will not be reflected to be visible to the second camera when a vehicle moves along the vehicle pathway. The station also includes a non-reflective, non-illuminating surface within the tunnel on a same side of the central axis of the vehicle pathway as the second camera.