Structured-Light 3D Scanner Beam Steering Without Translation Stages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D scanners require expensive high-precision translation stages to move the optical system relative to the object for obtaining complete surface data, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A 3D scanner design that adjusts the orientation and position of a movable projector unit portion using an actuator unit, allowing the probe light beam to be smoothly shifted across the object without moving the scanner framework, utilizing a wheel with a changing radial distance or fluid lenses to control the beam's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive high-precision translation stages are used to move the optical system relative to the object, then complete surface data can be obtained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the optical system relative to the object using translation stages, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the optical system stationary and moving the object relative to the optical system. This is achieved by mounting the object on a rotation stage that can rotate the object around the optical axis, thereby achieving complete surface data acquisition without requiring expensive translation stages for the optical system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic movement of the object on the rotation stage during the scanning process. The object is rotated dynamically around the optical axis to present different surface regions to the stationary optical system, enabling complete data acquisition through dynamic repositioning rather than static translation of the optical system.
2Measurement precision
If the structured probe light beam is moved across the object by moving the optical system, then complete data can be acquired, but the scanner framework becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by keeping the optical system stationary and moving the object instead. The object is mounted on a rotation stage that rotates it around the optical axis, allowing the structured light beam to sweep across the entire object surface without requiring the optical system to move, thus simplifying the scanner framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the movement function from the optical system and transfers it to the object mounting system. By removing the requirement for the optical system to move and instead rotating the object on a separate stage, the complex translation stage requirements for the optical system are eliminated, reducing overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution scanning is achieved by moving the probe light beam smoothly, then precise data are obtained, but scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic rotation of the object on the rotation stage during the scanning process. The object is rotated at controlled speeds to present different surface regions to the optical system in a periodic manner, enabling efficient data acquisition across the entire surface while maintaining smooth beam movement and high resolution. The periodic rotation allows for optimized scanning speed and resolution balance.
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 high-resolution, cost-effective scanning by maintaining the object and scanner still, reducing the need for expensive translation stages and allowing precise, continuous data acquisition from the entire scanned area.
Implementation Method 1
a projector unit configured for projecting a beam of probe light onto the object
Implementation Method 2
Some light in the projected beam is reflected from the object surface and captured by one or more cameras of the 3D scanner's imaging unit
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D scanner for recording the 3D topography of an object, the 3D scanner including: a projector unit configured for projecting a structured beam of probe light onto the object; an imaging unit arranged to acquire 2D images of the object when the object is illuminated by the structured probe light beam; and an actuator unit arranged to control the position of the structured probe light beam at the object by rotating a movable portion of the projector unit around a pivoting axis, the actuator unit including a rotation motor including or arranged to drive a wheel, where the surface of the wheel operatively coupled to the movable portion of the projector unit has a radial distance from the axis of the rotation motor which changes with the rotation.