3D Scanning for BWMS Installation Space Exploration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing a ballast water management system (BWMS) in ships are time-consuming and costly, requiring skilled workers to identify suitable installation spaces, which can lead to reduced ship operation time and profit due to the complexity of design changes and the need for highly skilled labor.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing three-dimensional scanning to acquire point clouds, remove noise, and create obstacle and passage data, allowing unskilled workers to quickly and correctly identify suitable installation spaces for the BWMS by merging and analyzing the data to determine feasible installation areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a highly-skilled worker manually checks candidate spaces using design drawings, then accurate identification of installation space is achieved, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection method with a three-dimensional scanning system that automatically captures spatial data. The scanning device mechanically sweeps laser beams through the installation space, converting manual inspection into an automated optical measurement system, thereby reducing both time and skill requirements while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital three-dimensional model (copy) of the physical installation space. This virtual replica allows for automated analysis and installation planning without requiring skilled workers to physically inspect the space, enabling rapid identification of suitable locations while preserving measurement precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If design drawings are used to identify candidate spaces, then installation space exploration is performed, but the method cannot properly cope with changes in design drawings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs three-dimensional scanning to capture the actual as-built conditions of the installation space before any installation work begins. This preliminary data capture creates an accurate baseline that automatically adapts to any design changes or deviations from original drawings, ensuring reliability by working with real-world conditions rather than theoretical designs
3Ease of operation
If manual inspection of candidate spaces is performed, then installation space is identified, but ship operation time is reduced due to lengthy installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual inspection with automated three-dimensional scanning and computer-based analysis. The system automatically processes spatial data, identifies suitable installation locations, and generates installation plans, dramatically reducing the time required while simplifying the overall installation process and maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the installation process by changing key parameters: converting qualitative visual assessment into quantitative three-dimensional spatial analysis, and transforming manual iterative inspection into automated algorithmic processing. This parameter transformation enables rapid identification of installation spaces, minimizing disruption to ship operation schedules
Data Source
AI summary
A method for exploring an installation space of an article includes acquiring a point cloud of an indoor space including a number of point data with three-dimensional scanning. The method also includes acquiring obstacle data and passage data from the point cloud. The method further includes exploring an installation space of the article to determine a space where an obstacle is placed in the obstacle data and a space where a passage is present, as a space where the article is allowed to be installed.