Intelligent range image camera for object measurement

US5621807A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Dornier GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Max Eibert · Friedrichshafen, DE
• Harald Hopfmuller · Markdorf, DE
• Rolf Katzenbeisser · Ravensburg, DE
• Christoph Schaefer · Friedrichshafen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 13, 1994
• Grant date: Apr 15, 1997
• Expiry date: Oct 13, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01S17/89
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A range imaging sensor for classifying and determining the position and orientation of remote objects combines a high resolution three-dimensional range imaging camera with a conventionally configured data processor. Three-dimensional object geometry sensed by the camera is compared with a plurality of three-dimensional models stored in a memory of the data processor. The spacial relationship between iteratively selected models and the sensed object is evaluated for varying positions and orientations of the model, and an optimum object classification and object position/orientation are detected and transmitted as an output signal.