Handheld Laser Scanner On-Site Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D scanning technologies face challenges in accurately registering multiple laser scans of complex or difficult-to-access objects, particularly in real environments with ambiguities, leading to incorrect assignments and increased computing time, and require manual pre-orientation and evaluation, which is inefficient and lacks immediate feedback.

Innovation Solution

A scanning arrangement with a laser scanner, navigation unit, and a handheld or tablet for on-site registration and evaluation, enabling automatic or partially automatic registration of scans with or without targets, using radio links for data transfer, and allowing for real-time detection of errors and adjustments, facilitating faster and more accurate data processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual pre-orientation and evaluation of scans are performed using field book methods, then the scanning process can be carried out from predetermined locations, but the registration accuracy is insufficient and cannot be verified on site

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning process operationVSAvoidregistration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements immediate feedback by performing scan registration and evaluation on-site using a portable computing device, allowing operators to verify registration accuracy during the scanning process rather than only after completing all scans in the office

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

A portable computing device serves as an intermediary between the laser scanner and the final registration evaluation, enabling automated registration calculations and accuracy verification to be performed in the field rather than requiring manual field book methods or post-office evaluation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated registration is performed without targets using object measuring points, then the measuring effort is reduced, but incorrect assignments occur due to environmental ambiguities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasuring effortVSAvoidregistration reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs partial automated registration using available object features, then supplements with manual target-based registration only where needed to resolve ambiguities, rather than requiring complete manual registration or relying entirely on automated methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The portable computing device provides immediate feedback on registration quality, allowing operators to identify and correct incorrect assignments caused by environmental ambiguities during on-site evaluation rather than discovering errors later

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If all scan data are transferred to a PC for evaluation, then comprehensive processing is possible, but the workflow is inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing accuracyVSAvoidevaluation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Registration and preliminary evaluation actions are performed in advance during on-site scanning using the portable computing device, eliminating the need for time-consuming data transfer and post-processing in the office

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The portable computing device performs multiple functions including scan reception, automated registration, quality evaluation, and error detection, replacing the need for separate office-based processing equipment and workflows

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution enables convenient and efficient on-site scan data processing and registration, reducing the need for manual corrections and post-processing, minimizing measurement time, and ensuring data consistency and accuracy by allowing immediate rectification of errors during the scanning process.

Implementation Method 1

a laser beam is directed onto an object by means of a beam deflection system and the measurement beams reflected by this are evaluated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the measurement beams reflected by this are evaluated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The scanning arrangement also has a navigation unit that enables the location to be roughly recorded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSatellite navigation:

Data Source

PatentEP3872525A1Scanning assembly and method for scanning an object
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 ZOLLER & FROEHLICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3872525A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3872525A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3872525A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for scanning an object located in a field is disclosed, using a scan arrangement (1) comprising the steps of: a) acquiring a scan with at least one laser scanner (2); b) determining the location and orientation (14) of the laser scanner (2); c) transmitting the scan and navigation data to a local satellite computer belonging to the scan arrangement, implemented as a handheld device, in particular a tablet (10); d) registering the scan depending on the scanner location (12) and scanner orientation (14), registering the scan depending on targets manually or automatically identified in the scan in a higher-level coordinate system or relative to a previously acquired scan using the satellite computer; and e) relocating the laser scanner (2) to a new location (12). Steps a) to d) are repeated.An evaluation of the scan on the satellite computer and a subsequent scanning process using the laser scanner (2) are carried out in parallel. The satellite computer confirms that a complete survey of the object has been performed. After the complete survey, a field book containing the respective optimal scanner positions and scanner orientations (14) is stored on the tablet (10). This field book and the associated scan data can then be transmitted, for example, via a WLAN connection to a central server (16). A scan configuration is also disclosed.