Tesla Patent | Augmented Reality Feature Detection

Patent: Augmented Reality Feature Detection

Publication Number: 20180350055

Publication Date: 2018-12-06

Applicants: Tesla

Abstract

An image is obtained. Based on hues of the image, a model of the image is generated. A reduced model associated with a manufactured item is received. The reduced model associated with the manufactured item is generated by reducing an original model associated with the manufactured item. An attempt is made to match at least a portion of the reduced model with the model of the image.

BACKGROUND

Existing automotive manufacturing techniques are both time consuming and require significant manual calibration and inspection. The positioning and programming of robots for constructing and assembling automotive parts, the marking and placement of mechanical joints, the quality inspection of assembled parts, etc. require a worker specifically trained to perform tasks that include setup, configuration, calibration, and/or inspecting the quality of the work and results. The time required to perform the steps is extensive and increases the time and cost to build a new vehicle. For example, a current practice for marking joints and/or inspecting dimensional accuracy of the joints involves overlaying paper or plastic molds over a sheet metal object in order to mark the part. Similarly, joints may be inspected by manually referencing adjacent features, molds, or using coordinate measuring machine (CMM) inspection. Therefore, there exists a need for a process and tools for increasing the efficiency and decreasing the cost of automotive manufacturing tasks. Applying computer vision and augmented reality tools to the manufacturing process can significantly increase the speed and efficiency related to manufacturing and in particular to the manufacturing of automobile parts and vehicles.