Beam-Steered Laser Scanner for Real-Time 3D Point Cloud Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser scanners for optical measurement and 3D imaging lack efficient methods for real-time data processing and display, especially in environments requiring rapid data capture and visualization.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a laser scanner system that includes a processing unit separate from the scanner, capable of wirelessly receiving and processing measurement data in real-time, and displaying it as a colored 3D point cloud. This system features a beam steering unit with a virtual 360-degree rotation and a surface sensor with a unique viewing direction relative to the scanning plane, allowing for continuous data streaming and display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a separate processing unit is used for real-time data processing, then data processing speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing speedVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent modules: a laser scanner for data acquisition and a separate processing unit for real-time data processing and display. This segmentation allows the processing unit to handle computational tasks independently, improving data processing speed while keeping the scanner structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A wireless communication interface acts as an intermediary between the laser scanner and the processing unit. This mediator enables real-time data transmission without requiring a physical connection, allowing the processing unit to receive and process data immediately while maintaining system modularity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If continuous data streaming is implemented, then real-time visualization is improved, but data transmission requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time visualization capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The processing unit performs preliminary processing and filtering of measurement data before display. By pre-processing the data stream, the system reduces the volume of data that needs to be transmitted and stored, while still maintaining real-time visualization capability through continuous processing of the reduced data set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If a surface sensor with unique viewing direction is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surface sensor is positioned with a specific viewing direction that is optimized for capturing reflective surfaces and enhancing measurement accuracy in particular spatial regions. This local optimization of sensor orientation improves measurement precision without requiring complex multi-sensor arrangements throughout the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 rapid and accurate real-time processing and display of measurement data, allowing for immediate visualization and analysis of environments, thereby enhancing the efficiency of data capture and interpretation.

Implementation Method 1

a beam steering unit for the distance measurement radiation which is fixed to the support such that it can rotate about a beam axis of rotation, in particular a fast axis of rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam deflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

for detecting distance measurement data, with a transmitter unit for emitting a distance measurement radiation and a receiver unit for receiving returning parts of the distance measurement radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

an angle encoder for detecting angle data with respect to a rotation of the beam steering unit about the beam axis of rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular position detection:

Implementation Method 4

a transmitter unit for emitting a distance measurement radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser radiation: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS12241982B2Laser scanner

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG

AI summary

A laser scanner and a system with a laser scanner for measuring an environment. The laser scanner includes an optical distance measuring device, a support, a beam steering unit rotatably fixed to the support which rotates around a beam axis of rotation. The beam steering unit includes a mirrored surface which deflects radiation used in the optical distance measurement and an angle encoder for recording angle data. The optical distance measurement is performed by a progressive rotation of the beam steering unit about the beam axis of rotation and the continuous emission of a distance measurement radiation, the emission being made through an outlet area arranged in the direction of the mirrored surface on the support, the receiving optics for receiving radiation are arranged on the support, and wherein the outlet area has a lateral offset with respect to the optical axis of the receiving optics.