Telescoping Vehicle Interior Imaging Rig for Consistent Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional image capture devices for vehicle interiors lack standardization and efficiency, requiring human intervention for adjustments and resulting in inconsistent images, which increases time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle image capture system with an adjustable support structure and image capture device, featuring telescoping and articulating mounts, positional sensors, and a transport subsystem, allowing for automated or semi-automated positioning and image capture without human entry into the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional image capture devices are used manually, then flexibility in positioning is improved, but image consistency and standardization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated robotic arm system controlled by a computing device. The robotic arm uses motors and controllers to position the image capture device at predetermined locations, eliminating manual intervention while ensuring consistent positioning across multiple vehicles. The system includes a robotic arm with a controller that receives commands from a computing device to automatically navigate to specific positions and capture images.
2Adaptability or versatility
If human operators manually adjust and capture images, then adaptability to different vehicles is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-programming the robotic arm with vehicle-specific positioning data before the imaging process begins. The computing device stores predetermined locations and imaging parameters for different vehicle types, allowing the robotic arm to automatically execute the correct sequence of positions and capture images efficiently without manual reconfiguration for each vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters automatically based on vehicle type. The computing device receives vehicle identification information and retrieves corresponding imaging parameters including positioning coordinates, camera angles, and capture sequences. This allows the robotic arm to adapt to different vehicle models by changing its motion parameters and imaging settings without manual intervention, maintaining both adaptability and high productivity.
3Device complexity
If manual image capture is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into an integrated automated system. The robotic arm combines positioning, navigation, and image capture functions in a single coordinated system. The computing device merges vehicle identification, parameter retrieval, command generation, and image reception into one centralized control process. This integration reduces the overall time required for imaging while maintaining manageable system complexity through unified control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a vehicle image capture system having a support structure, a telescoping hollow support beam, a second hollow support beam, a securing device, a support beam mount, a memory device storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute instructions to perform the steps of a method to position the vehicle image capture device and capture an image of a vehicle interior. The telescoping hollow support beam may include an outer telescoping component and an inner telescoping component attached by the securing device, and the second hollow support beam may be attached to the telescoping hollow support beam by the support beam mount. The system may further include a battery component, one or more positional sensors, and one or more electromechanical motors to adjust the position of one or more components of the system to capture a centered image of a vehicle interior.