General Motors has been granted a patent for a system that inspects reflective surfaces using two imaging assemblies. The first captures depth information, while the second gathers contrast data. A processor analyzes these images to estimate depth profiles and identify surface features through correlation. GlobalData’s report on General Motors gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on General Motors, Reformer integrated fuel cells was a key innovation area identified from patents. General Motors's grant share as of July 2024 was 72%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
System for inspecting reflective surfaces using imaging assemblies
The patent US12073555B2 describes a sophisticated system and method for inspecting reflective surfaces, particularly useful for applications such as evaluating braze joint surfaces. The system comprises two imaging assemblies: a first assembly that captures depth information using a camera, and a second assembly that gathers contrast information through another camera and an illumination device. The illumination device is strategically positioned at a specific distance and angle, determined by analyzing multiple reference images to identify the configuration that yields the highest homogeneity. The processor within the system is responsible for acquiring both images, estimating a depth profile, and correlating this profile with the contrast image to identify features on the reflective surface.
The method outlined in the patent emphasizes the importance of depth and contrast information in surface inspection. It involves taking a series of images that include a laser line projected onto the surface, which aids in depth estimation through triangulation techniques. The illumination device is designed to project diffuse light, enhancing the contrast of the captured images. The correlation process not only constructs an image based on the depth profile but also allows for the identification of specific features by selecting image windows tailored to the expected size of these features. Additionally, the patent includes provisions for utilizing machine learning models to optimize the selection of image window sizes, further enhancing the system's capability in reflective surface inspection.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
