Voxel-Based 3D Measurement System Eliminating Redundant Voxels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the dimensions and volume of objects, such as livestock, are complex and require physical contact or produce cumbersome three-dimensional mesh surface images, making them inefficient for quick and non-contact measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a measurement space defined by voxels, where an object is photographed from multiple viewpoints to generate depth maps, allowing for the elimination of redundant voxels and calculation of object dimensions and volume based on remaining voxels, using an image processor and camera system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a three-dimensional mesh surface image is produced by applying a mesh algorithm to point cloud data, then the measurement of object dimension and volume can be achieved, but the process becomes too complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for measurement by directly using depth maps from multiple viewpoints to determine voxel occupancy, eliminating the complex mesh surface generation process while retaining the core measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement space is segmented into discrete voxels, and the object is represented by occupied voxels rather than continuous mesh surfaces. This segmentation simplifies the measurement process by converting complex geometric operations into discrete voxel counting and processing
2Measurement precision
If traditional contact-based measurement methods are used, then accurate measurement can be obtained, but the measurement process requires physical contact and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement systems with an optical-based depth mapping system. Multiple cameras capture depth information non-contactly, and image processing algorithms automatically determine object dimensions and volume, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining measurement accuracy and significantly improving speed
3Measurement precision
If all voxels in the measurement space are processed to calculate object dimensions, then complete measurement is achieved, but redundant calculations reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes only the essential voxels that are actually occupied by the object. By using depth maps to identify occupied voxels and eliminating redundant unoccupied voxels from processing, the system maintains complete measurement accuracy while significantly improving calculation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of processing all voxels in the measurement space, the patent applies partial action by processing only the subset of voxels that are occupied by the object. This selective processing approach maintains measurement completeness while reducing computational burden
Data Source
AI summary
Firstly, a measurement space is defined with a plurality of voxels. When the object is located within the measurement space, at least a depth map of the object is generated by photographing the object from at least a viewpoint. View direction and coordinates of the at least a viewpoint are also obtained. A plurality of redundant voxels, which are not belong to the object, are eliminated from the measurement space according to the at least a map, the view direction and the coordinates of the at least a viewpoint. The volume and/or the dimension of the object is calculated based on remaining voxels of the measurement space after the redundant voxels are eliminated from the measurement space.