Concurrent 3D Scanner System for Rapid Environmental Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning systems for generating digital representations of environments are complex, require specialized personnel, and are time-consuming, especially in sensitive situations, due to their bulkiness and need for sequential scanning with a single device.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple 3D scanners positioned at different locations, connected via a common communications network, simultaneously acquiring and registering 3D coordinates to generate a comprehensive point cloud of an environment in real-time, allowing for faster data capture and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single scanning device is moved through the building to generate a digital representation, then the scanning system can capture different sections sequentially, but the scanning process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The environment is divided into multiple scanning zones, with each scanner positioned to capture a specific section. Multiple scanners operate simultaneously to capture different portions of the environment, eliminating the need for sequential scanning with a single device while maintaining comprehensive coverage and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple scanning devices are combined into a coordinated system that operates simultaneously. The scanners work in parallel to capture the entire environment at once, merging their individual measurements into a unified digital representation, thereby reducing total scanning time while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If bulky scanning equipment including movable structure is used, then the scanning system can capture comprehensive data, but the equipment delays the scanning process in time sensitive situations
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive scanning task is segmented across multiple stationary or minimally mobile scanners positioned at different locations. Each scanner captures its local environment independently and simultaneously, eliminating the need for moving bulky equipment through the space while still achieving complete environmental coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Scanners are positioned at predetermined locations before the scanning operation begins. This preliminary positioning allows all scanners to start capturing data simultaneously without requiring movement during the scanning process, thereby eliminating delays associated with repositioning bulky equipment while ensuring comprehensive data collection.
3Measurement precision
If a single scanning device is used to move through the environment, then the system can capture different sections, but specialized personnel are required to operate the complex equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning operation is segmented into multiple independent scanner units positioned throughout the environment. Each scanner operates autonomously to capture its local section, eliminating the need for specialized personnel to manually operate and reposition a single complex scanning device while maintaining accurate coordinate data collection across all zones.
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 efficient and simultaneous data capture of large environments by multiple scanners, reducing scanning time and the need for specialized personnel, while allowing for real-time data processing and registration, thus improving the speed and accuracy of generating digital maps.
Implementation Method 1
a scanning device that determines coordinates of surfaces in the environment by emitting a light and capturing a reflection to determine a distance
Implementation Method 2
capturing a reflection to determine a distance or by triangulation using cameras
Data Source
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AI summary
A system of generating a three-dimensional (3D) scan of an environment includes multiple 3D scanners including a first 3D scanner at respective first and second positions. The system further includes a controller coupled to the 3D scanners. The first 3D scanner acquires a first set of 3D coordinates, the first set of 3D coordinates having a first portion. The second 3D scanner acquires a second set of 3D coordinates, the second set of 3D coordinates having a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are simultaneously transmitted to the controller by the first 3D scanner and the second 3D scanner respectively, while the first set of 3D coordinates and the second set of 3D coordinates are being acquired. The controller registers the first portion and the second portion to each other while the first set of 3D coordinates and the second set of 3D coordinates are being acquired.