3D Recording Device Using Laser Distance Scaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D recording devices for creating 3D images are complex and require a specially trained user, making them difficult to use for simplified 3D image creation.

Innovation Solution

A 3D recording device that uses an image processing device to identify corresponding image components in a sequence of images, calculates three-dimensional position information, and scales it using minimal distance information from a distance measuring device, allowing for the creation of 3D images with reduced requirements for the distance measuring device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional pattern projection or scanning methods are used to create 3D images, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of 3D measurement from complex pattern projection systems by using only a simple distance measuring device (laser range finder) combined with standard 2D images. The complex pattern projection apparatus is replaced by extracting key measurement data through minimal additional hardware - specifically a laser distance meter that measures only the distance to the object, rather than projecting complex patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a 3D representation by copying depth information from 2D images and enhancing it with minimal distance measurements. Instead of directly capturing 3D data with complex scanners, the system copies depth cues from standard 2D images and uses a simple distance meter to provide scaling reference, thereby reconstructing 3D information through computational methods rather than direct 3D sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If traditional 3D recording devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring specially trained users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D measurement precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic 3D reconstruction through computational algorithms that automatically identify corresponding points across multiple 2D images and calculate 3D coordinates. The device serves itself by using standard image processing techniques combined with automatic distance measurement, eliminating the need for manual operation or specialized training. Users simply capture images and the system automatically processes them into 3D representations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple distance measurements are taken to improve 3D image accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the requirements for the distance measuring device increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D image accuracyVSAvoiddistance measuring device requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by measuring distance at only a limited number of key points (such as corners or distinctive features) rather than continuously measuring the entire object surface. This selective measurement approach provides sufficient depth information for 3D reconstruction without requiring the distance measuring device to capture complete surface data, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enables the construction of 3D images from a sequence of recorded images with fewer distance measurements, simplifying the operation and reducing the complexity of the distance measuring device, thus making 3D image creation more accessible.

Implementation Method 1

A 3D recording device (1) with an image recording device (2), a distance measuring device (3) and an image processing device (4)... the distance measuring device (3) is set up for punctiform distance measurement... A laser distance measurement is possible, for example, if the distance measuring device is designed as a laser distance measuring device. In this case, the distance measuring device can generate a laser measuring beam as a measuring beam with which a distance can be measured.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The distance measuring device can generate a laser measuring beam as a measuring beam with which a distance can be measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3005292B13D recording device, method for producing a 3D image, and method for setting up a 3D recording device
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 TESTO SE & CO KGAA
  • EP3005292B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3005292B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3005292B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a 3D recording device (1) comprising an image recording device (2), a distance measuring device (3) and an output unit (5). According to the invention, an image processing device (4) is used to calculate, for a sequence (8) of images (9, 10) recorded in different poses (15, 16, 17), groups (29, 30, 31, 32) of image elements (18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28) corresponding to each other and to determine for each group (29, 30, 31, 32) a three-dimensional position indication (48, 49, 50) and to scale the three-dimensional position indication (48, 49, 50) with the aid of distance information (42) measured by the distance measuring device (3).