3D Scanner Color Reconstruction With Dual Color Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D scanners face challenges in accurately associating color information with point cloud data due to parallax issues in secondary imaging processes, leading to incomplete or inaccurate color rendition in scanned environments.
Innovation Solution
A 3D scanner design incorporating dual color cameras positioned on opposite sides of the housing, with specific optical axes and fields of view, and a zenith camera, allowing simultaneous capture of color data during the scanning process, thereby integrating color data directly with 3D point cloud acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If secondary imaging processes (rotating mirror configuration or secondary cameras) are used to capture color images, then color information can be obtained, but parallax issues occur resulting in incomplete or inaccurate color mapping to point cloud data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the color imaging function and 3D scanning function into a single integrated system. The color camera and time-of-flight sensor share the same optical path and housing, eliminating the parallax between separate imaging systems. This combining approach ensures that color images and depth maps are captured from identical viewpoints, enabling accurate color-to-point-cloud mapping without the parallax errors that plague secondary imaging approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system that allows both the color camera and time-of-flight sensor to capture data through the same optical path. This intermediary mechanism ensures that both sensors observe the scene from the same perspective, serving as a mediator that synchronizes the viewpoints of different sensing modalities and eliminates parallax discrepancies.
2Loss of information
If post-processing and secondary imaging are performed to obtain color images, then color data can be mapped to point cloud, but additional time and processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous simultaneous operation of the color camera and time-of-flight sensor during the scanning process. Both sensors capture data in real-time throughout the entire scanning operation, eliminating the need to stop the scanner for separate color imaging. This continuous dual-mode operation ensures that color and depth data are acquired concurrently, significantly reducing total scanning time compared to sequential post-processing approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs color image capture during the primary scanning operation rather than as a subsequent post-processing step. By incorporating color imaging into the main scanning workflow, the system prepares both color and depth data simultaneously, eliminating the need for time-consuming secondary imaging operations after the scan is complete.
3Device complexity
If a single color camera is used for color capture, then device complexity is reduced, but parallax issues prevent complete color coverage of the scanned environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-camera approach to a multi-camera spatial arrangement, adding dimensional coverage to the system. By positioning color cameras at multiple locations within the scanner housing, the system achieves comprehensive angular coverage of the scanned environment. This spatial dimensionality change allows color capture from multiple perspectives simultaneously, eliminating blind spots while maintaining relatively simple individual camera units.
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 efficient and comprehensive color capture within a single scanning operation, reducing the need for additional post-processing and minimizing parallax errors, resulting in a more accurate and integrated 3D color reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
These devices emit a light beam and measure the amount of time it takes for light to travel to the surface and return to the device to determine the distance
Implementation Method 2
a first color camera arranged within the housing on the first side and configured to capture respective color data of the scanned environment
Data Source
AI summary
Three-dimensional coordinate scanners and methods of scanning environments are described. The scanners include a housing having a top, a bottom, a first side, a second side, a first end face, and a second end face. A 3D point cloud system is arranged within the housing including a rotating mirror and configured to acquire 3D point cloud data of a scanned environment. A first color camera is arranged within the housing on the first side and configured to capture respective color data of the scanned environment and a second color camera arranged within the housing on the second side and configured to capture respective color data of the scanned environment.