3D Structural Surface Mapping Using Laser Light Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater inspection methods for structural surfaces, such as hydroelectric dams, face challenges in achieving high measurement accuracy and confidence due to environmental perturbations and limitations in robotic systems' positional tracking, leading to inadequate data quality and frequent missed irregularities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising extendable wires to define a reference surface, a laser arrangement to project light planes, and a camera to capture images, along with a processing unit to determine orientation and position, enabling accurate 3D cartography with millimeter-level precision and confidence, while being robust against environmental perturbations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If divers are used for underwater inspection, then qualitative information can be obtained, but measurement accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to manual operations and environmental constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement operations by divers with an automated optical measurement system. The system uses a camera to capture images of laser lines projected on the structural surface, and automatically processes these images to generate 3D cartographic data, eliminating the need for manual measurement operations by human divers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement and self-positioning operations. The camera captures images, the processing unit automatically determines the position and orientation of the measuring unit from these images, and generates the 3D map without requiring external reference operations or manual intervention, enabling autonomous inspection operations.
2Productivity
If robotic systems are used for underwater inspection, then data collection capability improves, but positional tracking accuracy deteriorates due to environmental perturbations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of laser lines projected on the structural surface. These laser lines serve as a reference medium that the camera captures to determine the position and orientation of the measuring unit. This optical intermediary enables accurate positioning without relying on traditional acoustic or magnetic systems that are sensitive to underwater environmental perturbations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces acoustic and magnetic positioning systems with an optical-based positioning system. Instead of using sound waves or magnetic fields that are affected by water and metal structures, the system uses light projection and image capture to determine position, which is less sensitive to these environmental factors.
3Device complexity
If traditional positioning systems are used, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability deteriorates in closed environments with acoustic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces laser lines as an optical intermediary that enables positioning in closed environments. The laser lines are projected on the structural surface and captured by the camera, providing reliable reference information for position determination even in acoustically challenging environments where traditional acoustic positioning systems would fail.
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
The system achieves accurate and confident 3D mapping of structural surfaces with millimeter-level precision, ensuring reliable data and reduced sensitivity to underwater environmental disturbances, allowing for efficient and versatile inspection.
Implementation Method 1
a laser arrangement configured to project two distinct light planes directed toward the structural surface
Implementation Method 2
a camera configured to capture images of the structural surface containing lines resulting from an intersection of the light planes with the structural surface
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for tridimensional cartography of a structural surface. Two wires are extended in front and along the structural surface so as to define a reference surface. A measuring unit comprising a laser arrangement and a camera is moved in front of the structural surface so as to progressively scan the surface. Tow distinct light planes directed toward the structural surface are projected by means of the laser arrangement. Images of the structural surface containing lines resulting from an intersection of the light planes with the structural surface and four reference points resulting from an intersection of the light planes with the wires are captured by means of the camera. The images are processed to determine the 3D coordinates of the lines defining the mapping in a reference system bound to the reference surface considering the position and the orientation of the measuring unit based on the reference points.