Adaptive 3D Measurement Projector with Dynamic Light Pattern Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D laser scanners face limitations in dynamically adjusting light patterns based on measured 3D coordinates, which can result in suboptimal scanning and image generation, especially in varying environments.
Innovation Solution
A 3D measurement device with a laser projection system that uses 3D coordinates to emit a light pattern, adjusting the pattern's size and direction based on the coordinates, allowing for adaptive scanning and improved image generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed light pattern is projected during scanning, then the scanning process is simple, but the scanning accuracy and image quality deteriorate in varying environments
Solution Approach 1:
The light pattern is transformed from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one that adjusts its size and orientation based on real-time 3D coordinate data of the scanned surface. The projection system continuously modifies the pattern parameters to match the measured geometry, enabling adaptive scanning that maintains high accuracy across varying environments without requiring multiple fixed patterns or manual adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light pattern size is fixed, then the projection system is simple, but the pattern cannot accommodate changes in scanner position and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback loop where 3D coordinates measured during scanning are used to dynamically adjust the light pattern parameters. The measured surface geometry feeds back to the projection system, which automatically recalculates and reprojects the pattern with appropriate size and orientation adjustments, enabling the system to adapt to varying scanner positions and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pattern parameters (size, orientation, position) are changed dynamically based on the measured 3D coordinates. Instead of using a fixed pattern, the system modifies the projection parameters in real-time to match the measured surface characteristics, allowing the same projection system to effectively handle various scanning scenarios without hardware changes.
3Productivity
If manual adjustment of light pattern is required, then the system structure is simple, but the productivity and scanning efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The projection system performs self-adjustment based on the measured 3D coordinates without requiring external manual intervention. The system automatically processes the coordinate data, calculates the appropriate pattern parameters, and adjusts the projection accordingly, enabling continuous automated scanning operations that maintain high efficiency while adapting to different measurement scenarios.
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 precise and adaptive light pattern projection, enhancing scanning accuracy and image quality by aligning the light pattern with the scanned surface, accommodating changes in environment and scanner position.
Implementation Method 1
the light source positioned to emit light onto the pair of movable mirrors
Implementation Method 2
the distance to a target point is determined based on the speed of light in air between the scanner and a target point
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for projecting a light pattern is provided. The device includes a processor system and a housing. The housing is rotatable about a first axis. A measurement device is operably coupled to the housing that measures a distance to a surface in an environment. A light projector is operably coupled to the housing, the light projector having a light source and a pair of movable mirrors, the light source positioned to emit light onto the pair of movable mirrors. Wherein the processor system is responsive to computer instructions for: determining 3D coordinates of points on the surface with the 3D measurement device; selecting a pattern; adjusting the pattern based at least in part on the 3D coordinates; and causing the light projector to emit a beam of light and moving the pair of mirrors to generate the adjusted pattern on the surface.