3D Scanner Probe Layout for Flexible Handling and Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional scanners face challenges in measurement workability and accuracy due to restricted probe orientation and posture, especially when measuring large members or backside sites, and increasing marker numbers affects accuracy and increases cost and weight.

Innovation Solution

A probe design with self-luminous markers arranged in multiple directions and supported by a marker holder with a lower thermal expansion coefficient, ensuring sufficient distance and maintaining marker positional relationships despite environmental changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If markers are provided only on a front surface of the probe, then the probe structure is simple, but the orientation and posture of the probe are restricted during measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe structureVSAvoidprobe handling freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is segmented into multiple functional surfaces: a front surface with markers for normal measurement, a back surface with markers for measuring large members or backside sites, and side surfaces with markers for restricted spaces. This segmentation allows the probe to be oriented differently depending on the measurement context, eliminating the restriction of having markers only on the front surface while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of markers is increased to improve probe handling freedom, then measurement workability is improved, but measurement accuracy is adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe handling freedomVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the total number of markers indiscriminately, the markers are segmented and placed on specific surfaces (front, back, sides) based on measurement needs. Each surface contains a sufficient number of markers for its specific function, maintaining measurement accuracy while providing handling freedom across different measurement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The marker arrangement transitions from a two-dimensional front surface to a three-dimensional distribution across multiple surfaces of the probe. This spatial expansion allows markers to be positioned optimally for various measurement angles and distances without increasing the density of markers on any single surface, thereby preserving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If an optical base made of quartz is used to maintain marker positional relationship, then measurement accuracy is enhanced, but cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarker positional relationship stabilityVSAvoidprobe weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The material parameter of the optical base is changed from quartz to a resin material with appropriate mechanical properties. This parameter change reduces both weight and cost while the multi-surface marker arrangement compensates for any reduced stability through geometric redundancy and strategic positioning that maintains measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances measurement workability and accuracy by allowing flexible probe handling and maintaining marker positions, reducing thermal interference, and optimizing cost and weight.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the marker blocks has self-luminous markers facing a plurality of directions, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-luminous emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a scanner unit including a scanner light source that emits pattern light in a measurement direction and a scanner imaging part that captures an image of the pattern light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 3

maintaining a relative positional relationship of a plurality of markers constant regardless of a surrounding environment while solving problems of cost and weight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS12631443B2Probe for three-dimensional scanner and three-dimensional scanner

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 KEYENCE CORP

AI summary

Favorable measurement workability is obtained by further enhancing a degree of freedom in handling a probe while enhancing measurement accuracy. A probe for a three-dimensional scanner includes a first marker block and a second marker block that are arrayed side by side in a first direction with a scanner unit positioned at a center, and a third marker block and a fourth marker block that are arrayed side by side in a second direction with the scanner unit positioned at the center. The marker blocks have self-luminous markers facing a plurality of directions, respectively. The fourth marker block is arranged to be separated from a plane defined by the first marker block, the second marker block, and the third marker block.