Construction Member Measurement System Using Line Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction measurement systems face challenges in efficiently scanning only the target construction members, leading to prolonged measurement times and the need for post-processing to remove non-target data, making it difficult to promptly confirm measurement results on-site.

Innovation Solution

A measurement system that extracts measurement points within a predetermined distance range from a three-dimensional measurement line, allowing for real-time calculation and display of member spacing and thickness, using a scanner device capable of non-prism distance measurement and deflecting units to focus on designated points, reducing unnecessary data acquisition and streamlining the scanning process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dome scanning is performed with a three-dimensional laser scanner to capture all point cloud data, then comprehensive measurement data is obtained, but measurement time increases and post-processing is required to remove non-target data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of measurement dataVSAvoidmeasurement time and post-processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the scanning process into multiple segments by defining specific measurement lines and measurement points along the construction member. Instead of performing a complete dome scan, the system scans only along predetermined measurement lines (e.g., longitudinal, transverse, vertical) to extract relevant point cloud data for each segment, thereby reducing overall measurement time while maintaining measurement precision for the target construction member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the necessary measurement points from the potentially large set of point cloud data by using spatial filtering. The system extracts measurement points that fall within a predetermined distance range from the measurement lines and filters out points that do not correspond to the target construction member, eliminating the need for extensive post-processing while ensuring accurate measurement data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Area of stationary object

If the scanner measurement position is shifted to perform dome scanning, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but installation becomes troublesome and scanning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidscanner installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement coverage into multiple predetermined measurement lines (longitudinal, transverse, vertical) that can be scanned from a single or limited number of positions. This eliminates the need for complex dome scanning and multiple position shifts, making scanner installation simpler while still achieving comprehensive coverage of the construction member through systematic line scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If all point cloud data is acquired through dome scanning, then complete spatial information is obtained, but non-target data must be deleted through post-processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of spatial informationVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary measurement points from the point cloud data by using spatial filtering based on predetermined measurement lines and distance ranges. This extraction process occurs during the measurement itself rather than requiring separate post-processing, thereby maintaining complete spatial information for the target construction member while improving measurement efficiency by avoiding the acquisition and processing of irrelevant non-target data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining measurement lines and distance ranges before actual scanning. This allows the system to automatically filter and extract only relevant measurement points during the scanning process itself, rather than requiring post-processing to remove non-target data, thereby improving productivity while maintaining information completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If traditional laser scanning is used to measure construction members, then measurement data is obtained, but measurement results cannot be immediately confirmed on-site

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of measurement resultsVSAvoidtime to confirm measurement results
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the measurement system to automatically calculate and display measurement results in real-time during the scanning process. The system autonomously processes the extracted measurement points, calculates member spacing and thickness, and displays the results immediately on-site, eliminating the need for manual post-processing and allowing construction managers to confirm measurement results instantly without requiring data transfer or external processing.

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

Enables prompt on-site confirmation of measurement results for construction management targets by focusing measurements on specific members, reducing measurement time and eliminating the need for post-processing to remove non-target data, while allowing for flexible scanner installation and efficient data acquisition.

Implementation Method 1

a scanner device configured to perform a non-prism distance measurement by measuring a time taken for reciprocation between distance-measuring light to the measurement point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

including a deflecting unit configured to deflect an output direction of the distance-measuring light with respect to a reference optical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight deflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3945280B1Construction member measuring method and measurement system for the method
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP3945280B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945280B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3945280B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a measuring method and a measurement system which enable scanning of only a member as a construction management target, and promptly obtain measurement results on-site. In order to achieve the above-described object, by using a measuring device (2) including a distance-measuring unit (21) configured to perform a non-prism measurement of a distance and an angle to a measurement point, a measurement system (1) performs the non-prism measurement along a three-dimensional measurement line (ML) formed by connecting three-dimensional coordinates of two or more designated points (T1, T2) designated on a three-dimensional space with respect to a measuring target by a straight line, and from three-dimensional coordinates of measurement points measured near the three-dimensional measurement line (ML), calculates measurement results of a member spacing and/or a member thickness of the measuring target, and displays the measurement results on a display unit (22).