3D Scanner Controller Identifies Non-Measured Areas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D scanning methods require multiple measurements and increased time to ensure complete data capture, often resulting in missed portions of the target object due to the need for small rotation angles and numerous scanning directions, making it impractical to obtain accurate and comprehensive data.

Innovation Solution

A 3D scanning apparatus and method that includes a rotatable turntable and a 3D scanner controlled by a controller to identify and measure non-scanned portions by integrating scan data, adjusting rotation angles, and using a movable scanner connected to a robot arm to ensure comprehensive data capture in a single 360-degree rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the target object is scanned while rotating at 360 degrees with small rotation angles and numerous scanning directions, then the measurement precision is improved, but the measurement time and data amount increase considerably making it impractical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs preliminary processing by integrating scan data obtained during the 360-degree rotation and automatically identifying non-measured portions before the scanning process is complete. This preliminary analysis enables the system to plan subsequent scanning directions efficiently, avoiding redundant measurements and focusing only on areas that need additional scanning, thus reducing overall measurement time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously analyzing the scan data during rotation and using the identified non-measured portions to adjust subsequent scanning operations. The controller uses the feedback information from scan data integration to determine optimal scanning directions for additional measurements, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to the object's geometry and minimizes unnecessary scanning time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the target object is scanned with small rotation angles and numerous scanning directions, then the measurement precision is improved, but the amount of measured data increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidamount of measured data
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The controller extracts and processes only the essential information from the scan data by integrating it and identifying specific non-measured portions. Instead of processing all scanned data equally, the system extracts only the critical information needed to determine scanning priorities, reducing the effective data volume while maintaining measurement precision through targeted analysis of problematic areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by treating different portions of the object differently based on their measurement status. Areas that are well-measured during the 360-degree rotation require minimal additional processing, while non-measured portions are identified and prioritized for additional scanning. This localized approach ensures high precision where needed without unnecessarily processing all areas with the same intensity, reducing overall data volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If general 3D scanning method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but portions of the target object are not measured requiring additional manual checks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically analyzing its own scan data to identify non-measured portions without requiring external intervention. The controller integrates scan data, identifies gaps in measurement coverage, and autonomously determines additional scanning directions, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining relatively simple device architecture. This self-diagnostic capability ensures complete measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9835443B23D scanning apparatus and 3D scanning method
Publication Date: 2017.12.05 HEXAGON METROLOGY KOREA LLC
  • US9835443B2 patent drawing
  • US9835443B2 patent drawing
  • US9835443B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a 3D scanning apparatus and a 3D scanning method. The 3D scanning apparatus includes a turntable which is rotatable at 360 degrees about a rotating shaft so that the target object is rotated; a 3D scanner configured to obtain 3D scan data of the target object by scanning the target object on the turntable; and a controller configured to control a rotating operation of the turntable and a scanning operation of the 3D scanner so as to rotate the turntable 360 at degrees, operate the 3D scanner to scan the target object at each of rotation angles of the turntable, and additionally measure the non-measured portion by distinguishing a non-measured portion of the target object.