Laser‐based imaging for reverse engineering (original) (raw)

Towards computer-aided reverse engineering of heavy vehicle parts using laser range imaging techniques

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2004

We present an integrated system to automatically generate computer-aided design (CAD) models of existing vehicle parts using laser range imaging techniques. The proposed system integrates data acquisition, model reconstruction, and post processing to generate a set of models from real-world automotive parts. This range image-based, computer-aided reverse engineering (CARE) system has potential for faster model reconstruction over traditional reverse engineering technologies. As part of this system, we also propose a novel crease detection algorithm, which segments the surfaces of reconstructed models along smoothness discontinuities. We present results for both the CARE system and the proposed crease detection algorithm for a set of automotive parts.

Methodologies and Techniques for Reverse Engineering–The Potential for Automation with 3-D Laser Scanners

Springer Series in Advanced Manufacturing, 2008

In this chapter, we present methodologies and technologies for automating reverse engineering (RE) through digital imaging and computer vision. We begin this chapter with a definition of RE in terms of generating computer-aided design (CAD) models from existing objects and components. We use the term computer-aided reverse engineering (CARE) to describe this process. With this definition, we present a brief overview of the traditional approach to RE using coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Then, we begin the main focus of the chapter where we explore digital imaging and computer vision as an alternative to CMMs. This exploration begins with data acquisition, where we present laser-based range scanners as a promising approach. For these scanners, we explain and highlight differences in data resolution and scanning rates and contrast those to CMM performance. Next, we present a processing pipeline for creating CAD models using these scanners. This processing includes tasks such as view registration, surface integration, patch reconstruction, model fitting, noise removal, and other functions. This chapter explains these topics to help the reader understand their importance in designing an RE imaging system and the impact that various parameters have on modeling accuracy.

A framework for 3D model reconstruction in reverse engineering

Computers & Industrial Engineering, 2012

We present a framework for 3D model reconstruction, which has potential applications to a spectrum of engineering problems with impacts on rapid design and prototyping, shape analysis, and virtual reality. The framework, composed of four main components, provides a systematic solution to reconstruct geometric model from the surface mesh of an existing object. First, the input mesh is pre-processed to filter out noise. Second, the mesh is partitioned into segments to obtain individual geometric feature patches. Then, two integrated solutions, namely solid feature based strategy and surface feature based strategy, are exploited to reconstruct primitive features from the segmented feature patches. Finally, the modeling operations, such as solid boolean and surface trimming operations, are performed to ''assemble'' the primitive features into the final model. The concepts of ''feature'', ''constraint'' and ''modeling history'' are introduced into the entire reconstruction process so that the design intents are retrieved and exhibited in the final model with geometrical accuracy, topological consistency and flexible editability. A variety of industrial parts have been tested to illustrate the effectiveness and robustness of our framework.

3D CAD model generation of mechanical parts using coded‐pattern projection and laser triangulation systems

Assembly Automation, 2005

PurposeInvestigate the use of two imaging‐based methods – coded pattern projection and laser‐based triangulation – to generate 3D models as input to a rapid prototyping pipeline.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses structured lighting technologies as suitable imaging‐based methods. Two approaches, coded‐pattern projection and laser‐based triangulation, are specifically identified and discussed in detail. Two commercial systems are used to generate experimental results. These systems include the Genex Technologies 3D FaceCam and the Integrated Vision Products Ranger System.FindingsPresents 3D reconstructions of objects from each of the commercial systems.Research limitations/implicationsProvides background in imaging‐based methods for 3D data collection and model generation. A practical limitation is that imaging‐based systems do not currently meet accuracy requirements, but continued improvements in imaging systems will minimize this limitation.Practical implicationsImaging‐based ap...

Automated laser scanning system for reverse engineering and inspection

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 2002

Recently, laser scanners have been used more often for inspection and reverse engineering in industry, such as for motors, electronic products, dies and molds. However, due to the lack of efficient scanning software, laser scanners are usually manually operated. Therefore, the tasks that involve inspection and reverse engineering processes are very expensive. In this research, we propose an automated measuring system for parts having a freeform surface. In order to automate a measuring process, appropriate hardware system as well as software modules are required. The hardware system consists of a laser scanning device and setup fixtures that can provide proper location and orientation for the part to be measured. The software modules generate optimal scan plans so that the scanning operation can be performed accordingly. In the scan planning step, various scanning parameters are considered in the generation of optimal scan paths, such as the view angle, depth of field, the length of the stripe, and occlusion. In the scanning step, the generated scan plans are downloaded to the industrial laser scanner and the point data are captured automatically. The measured point data sets are registered automatically and the quality of point data is evaluated by checking the difference between the CAD model and the measured data. To demonstrate an automated measuring system, a motorized rotary table with two degrees of freedom and a CNC-type laser scanner with four degrees of freedom are used.

Fast 2.5D Model Reconstruction Of Assembled Parts With High Occlusion For Completeness Inspection

2011

In this work a dual laser triangulation system is presented for fast building of 2.5D textured models of objects within a production line. This scanner is designed to produce data suitable for 3D completeness inspection algorithms. For this purpose two laser projectors have been used in order to considerably reduce the problem of occlusions in the camera movement direction. Results of reconstruction of electronic boards are presented, together with a comparison with a commercial system.

"Ultima Dea": a Laser Scanner Application for 3D Modelling

ICGG2018. 18th International Conference on Geometry and Graphics, 2019

This work deals with a novel procedure that can be used for reverse engineering (RE) of big and old boats’ hull through cheap and effective instruments. The procedure has been used to acquire dimensions and shapes of an offshore boat designed by Renato Levi in 1962, named “Ultima Dea”, commissioned by Gianni Agnelli. The research purpose is the development of a method that gives to designers and restorer an “easy to use” instrument for obtaining the 2D and 3D CAD models from a degraded physical object in order to check and re-design the parts to be restored. The study and the application allowed to develop an innovative procedure to set the right acquisition parameters for optimizing the RE output in terms of minimization of maximum error and mean geometric errors between physical object and virtual model, by using a one-shot RE operation and a completely off-line post-processing. This procedure ensures good timesaving, during acquisition, very high reliability level and lightness of CAD models, also being able to reconstruct worn down and spoiled parts (through ex-novo modelling). The procedure shows how the CAD-modelling step can be done directly on graphical models (without surfaces’ mathematics) while ensuring the appropriate level of detail and, contemporarily, improving the interoperability of used and developed software. This procedure is based on the use of well-known methodologies and instruments that usually are employed in architectural relief; finally, it allowed to model the boat’s hull for the redesigning of engine/electrical/services systems and to restore the boat completely.

Object reconstruction by incorporating geometric constraints in reverse engineering

Computer-aided Design, 1999

This paper deals with the constrained reconstruction of 3D geometric models of objects from range data. It describes a new technique of global shape improvement based upon feature positions and geometric constraints. It suggests a general incremental framework whereby constraints can be added and integrated in the model reconstruction process, resulting in an optimal trade-o between minimization of the shape tting error and the constraint tolerances. After de ning sets of constraints for planar and special case quadric surface classes based on feature coincidence, position and shape, the paper shows through application on synthetic model that our scheme is well behaved. The approach is then validated through experiments on di erent real parts. This work is the rst to give such a large framework for the integration of geometric relationships in object modelling. The technique is expected to have a great impact in reverse engineering applications and manufactured object modelling where the majority of parts are designed with intended feature relationships.

Simultaneous Registration of Multiple Range Views for Use in Reverse Engineering of CAD Models

Computer Vision and Image Understanding, 1998

When reverse engineering a CAD model, it is necessary to integrate information from several views of an object into a common reference frame. Given a rough initial alignment of local 3-D shape data, further re nement is achieved using an improved version of the recently popular Iterative Closest Point algorithm. Data correspondence is determined by considering the merging data sets as a whole. A potentially incorrect distance threshold for removing outlier correspondences is not needed as in previous e orts. Incremental pose adjustments are computed simultaneously for all data sets, resulting in a more globally optimal set of transformations. Individual motion updates are computed using force-based optimization, with the data sets considered as connected by groups of springs. Experiments on both 2-D and 3-D data sets show that convergence is possible even for very rough initial positionings, and that the nal registration accuracy typically approaches less than one quarter of the interpoint sampling resolution of the views.