Video Inspection Reference Surface for Accurate Feature Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Video inspection devices face challenges in accurately measuring features on or near objects, especially when portions are missing or areas are poorly detailed due to issues like glare, noise, or insufficient data, leading to inaccurate three-dimensional coordinate computation and cursor placement difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine a reference surface based on reference points on the object, allowing for the placement of measurement cursors on image pixels, and calculate the dimensions using projected reference surface points, enabling accurate measurements even without reliable three-dimensional data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional video inspection devices are used to measure features on inaccessible surfaces, then the ability to inspect hidden areas is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when portions are missing or areas have insufficient detail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to inspect inaccessible surfacesVSAvoidaccuracy of dimensional measurements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from relying solely on two-dimensional image data to incorporating three-dimensional coordinate information. By computing 3D coordinates of surface points and projecting them onto a reference surface, the system enables accurate measurements even when traditional 2D imaging fails due to missing portions, glare, or insufficient detail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reference surface as an intermediary construct. This virtual reference surface, built from reliably measured 3D points, serves as a mediator that allows measurement of features (including missing portions) by projecting measurement cursors onto this reference surface rather than directly onto problematic image areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If measurement cursors are placed directly on image pixels, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when three-dimensional data is inaccurate or unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of cursor placementVSAvoidaccuracy of feature dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a reference surface as an intermediary between the user's cursor placement and the actual measurement target. Users place cursors on the reference surface (which is constructed from reliable 3D points), and the system projects these cursor positions to the actual object surface or missing portions, maintaining both ease of operation and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary construction of a reference surface using reliably measured 3D points before attempting to measure problematic features. This preliminary action creates a stable measurement foundation that enables accurate measurement of features that would otherwise be impossible to measure directly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If three-dimensional coordinates are computed from image data, then measurement capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates when areas have glare, noise, or insufficient detail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidaccuracy of three-dimensional coordinates

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by treating different regions of the object surface differently. Reliable 3D points are identified and used to construct the reference surface, while problematic areas (with glare, noise, or insufficient detail) are measured by projection onto this reference surface rather than direct 3D computation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The reference surface serves as an intermediary that separates the measurement process into two stages: first, building the reference surface from reliable points; second, projecting measurements onto this reference surface to avoid direct 3D computation in problematic areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10319103B2Method and device for measuring features on or near an object

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A method and device for measuring dimensions of a feature on or near an object using a video inspection device. A reference surface is determined based on reference surface points on the surface of the object. One or more measurement cursors are placed on measurement pixels of an image of the object. Projected reference surface points associated with the measurement pixels on the reference surface are determined. The dimensions of the feature can be determined using the three-dimensional coordinates of at least one of the projected reference surface points.