3D Scanner Range Switching for Large-Area and Detail Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional scanners can only scan either a large single range or a medium or small range, failing to meet the requirements for both large-range scanning and local high-detail scanning of an object.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional scanner with at least two sets of projectors and cameras mounted on a bracket, each set projecting structured light in different patterns and corresponding to different scanning ranges, controlled by a controller to switch between scanning ranges and focal lengths for optimal scanning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a single depth camera is used for large-range scanning, then the scanning range is large, but the local detail scanning capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning rangeVSAvoidlocal detail precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning system is segmented into multiple projector-camera sets, each dedicated to specific scanning ranges. The first set handles large-range scanning while the second set handles local high-detail scanning, allowing simultaneous operation without interference and resolving the contradiction between range and precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different projector-camera sets are configured with different focal lengths and optical parameters optimized for their specific scanning ranges. The first set uses parameters suitable for large areas, while the second set uses parameters optimized for local details, ensuring high quality in both scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If a line-structured light scanner is used for medium or small range scanning, then the local detail precision is improved, but the large-range scanning capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal detail precisionVSAvoidscanning range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides scanning functions into separate projector-camera sets: the first set configured for large-range scanning and the second set configured for local high-detail scanning. This segmentation allows each component to excel at its designated task without compromise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scanner system as a whole achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple projector-camera sets with different capabilities, allowing it to perform both large-range scanning and local high-detail scanning within a single unified system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple projector-camera sets with different focal lengths are used, then both large-range and local high-detail scanning are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning range adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple projector-camera sets with different focal lengths are merged into a single integrated scanner system mounted on one bracket. The controller coordinates all components, managing the complexity internally while presenting a unified, easy-to-use interface to the operator

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If multiple projector-camera sets are used for different scanning ranges, then scanning efficiency is optimized, but the cost of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically manages the switching between different projector-camera sets based on the scanning requirements, selecting the appropriate focal length and configuration without user intervention. This automation optimizes scanning efficiency while the integrated design keeps costs manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The scanner efficiently meets the requirements for both large-range and local high-detail scanning by automatically switching between scanning ranges and focal lengths, reducing costs and optimizing scanning efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

each set of projectors projects structured light onto an object to be scanned, and an image reflected by the object to be scanned is collected by one set of cameras

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250377198A1Three-dimensional scanner and scanning method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.12.11 SHINING 3D TECH CO LTD
  • US20250377198A1 patent drawing
  • US20250377198A1 patent drawing
  • US20250377198A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A three-dimensional scanner and a scanning method is provided. The three-dimensional scanner includes a bracket, at least two sets of projectors and at least two sets of cameras mounted on the bracket and a controller; different sets of projectors correspond to different scanning ranges, so that each set of projectors projects structured light onto an object to be scanned, and an image reflected by the object to be scanned is collected by one set of cameras with a corresponding focal length; the controller is configured to control one set of projectors to turn on at a same time. When any one set of projectors is turned on, control one set of cameras with a corresponding focal length to collect an image reflected by the object to be scanned.