Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF

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3D Measurement Systems for Multi-View Reconstruction and Sensor Networks

Complete capture of large measurement volumes in real time

 

Sensor networks for all-round 3D measurement allow the lateral resolution, measurement volume, 3D reconstruction rate and number of simultaneous views to be flexibly adapted to the respective application.

 

Be it for the inline monitoring of cold plastic forming, the free assembly of sub-assemblies (e.g., in automotive manufacturing), patient position monitoring during treatment, or general human-machine interaction in mixed work areas of humans and robots - continuous, precise and low-delay position and shape information in large measurement volumes always plays a decisive role. Our team, with more than 30 years of experience in optical metrology, has provided a metrological solution to this challenge with its pioneering development of sensor networks for 3D reconstruction.

Our services

 

We have implemented our metrological solution in various measurement systems for live 3D recording from multiple viewing directions, such as for monitoring patient position or controlling cold plastic forming. We adapt the relevant system parameters, such as lateral resolution, measurement volume, 3D reconstruction rate and number of simultaneous views, to the respective application and customer-specific requirements. For the measurement principle of the sensor network for all-round 3D measurement, it is irrelevant whether the task comes from the field of industry or medical technology.

  • System development for application-specific 3D measurement systems for continuous 3D reconstruction of large measurement volumes in several phases:
    • Measurability study
    • Development of a customer-specific 3D measurement system
    • Integration into existing production plant
  • Partner in joint research and development projects in the field of 3D metrology

Do you have an application for metrology and quality assurance in industry, biology, medicine or everyday life that cannot be solved with single standard components? We will gladly advise you! In close cooperation with you, we research and develop solutions from simulation to usable and manufacturable prototype.

What characterizes our 3D sensor network approach and where are the application areas?

Continuous patient position monitoring using a 3D sensor network consisting of three simultaneously operating sensors for spatial detection with high accuracy and low latency.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Continuous patient position monitoring using a 3D sensor network consisting of three simultaneously operating sensors for spatial detection with high accuracy and low latency.

At the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF, a sensor network approach was realized that is characterized by a high degree of flexibility with regard to the simultaneously active 3D sensors, their 3D reconstruction rate, as well as the size of the measurement volume and the lateral object resolution. Various systems have already been realized in cooperation with customers. A system for patient position monitoring combines 3× simultaneously operating 3D sensors with 3D reconstruction rates of up to 20 Hz in a measurement volume of 2000 mm × 1000 mm × 400 mm, measurement uncertainties ≤ 0.5 mm and a lateral point distance of ~ 1 mm. This system was awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize in 2022. Another system for monitoring the cold plastic forming of large structures works with 2× simultaneously operating 3D sensors with 3D reconstruction rates of up to 2 Hz, but in a measurement volume of 4000 mm × 2000 mm × 1000 mm, measurement uncertainties ≤ 1.0 mm and a lateral point distance of ~ 1 mm.

The approach allows an extremely broad range of applications for a wide variety of use scenarios. Complete 3D reconstructions despite partial occlusion, continuous 3D recording of dynamic processes and precise 3D measurements of objects with a wide range of surface properties have already been carried out.

How do sensor networks work?

Overview of the 3D sensor network approach: Multiple 3D sensors record an object simultaneously from different perspectives. A data stream aggregator accumulates the data streams and forwards them bundled to a PC for evaluation. The sensor network controls itself autonomously via interconnected sensor controllers.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Overview of the 3D sensor network approach: Multiple 3D sensors record an object simultaneously from different perspectives. A data stream aggregator accumulates the data streams and forwards them bundled to a PC for evaluation. The sensor network controls itself autonomously via interconnected sensor controllers.
A sensor network for simultaneous, low-shadow monitoring of a cold plastic forming process.
© Fraunhofer IOF
A sensor network for simultaneous, low-shadow monitoring of a cold plastic forming process.
A 3D sensor network consisting of two 3D sensors for contactless measurement of the tidal volume by time-resolved 3D measurement of the torso volume of a patient.
© Fraunhofer IOF
A 3D sensor network consisting of two 3D sensors for contactless measurement of the tidal volume by time-resolved 3D measurement of the torso volume of a patient.

Occlusion-free 3D recording of a human-machine interaction for gesture-controlled 3D measurement of a component in a large volume

Sensor network of 3 3D sensors
© Fraunhofer IOF
Sensor network of 3 3D sensors
Live 3D reconstruction of a 3D sensor
© Fraunhofer IOF
Live 3D reconstruction of a 3D sensor
 

Downloads for product sheets on our research topics

 

Our data sheets summarise relevant information on our current research highlights in a compact and clear format. Use the download function to save interesting and relevant topics for later and to save important data and visualisations for later retrieval.

Do you have questions about our services?  

In a personal meeting, we will advise you on our (individual) range of services and our core competencies. Please contact us. 

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