Laser Point Cloud Analysis for Tank Volume Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the volume of tank cars are costly, labor-intensive, require significant manpower and water, and are prone to errors due to complex operations and the need for fixed standard instruments.
Innovation Solution
An oil tank measurement method based on laser point cloud analysis, which involves acquiring point cloud data, calculating the tank axis using Gauss mapping, projecting and multi-segment fitting the data to determine the tank volume, and outputting results in Excel format, eliminating the need for manual measurements and water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If volume comparison method using standard measuring instruments is used, then measurement accuracy can be ensured, but the verification process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical volume comparison method with a laser-based optical measurement system. The laser measurement device scans the tank car interior to generate point cloud data, which is then processed to calculate volume. This substitution eliminates the need for manual drainage, reading, and physical standard instruments, achieving both high accuracy and fast verification speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct volume comparison to three-dimensional spatial coordinate measurement. By scanning the tank interior with laser to obtain point cloud data representing the three-dimensional coordinates of the inner surface, the system calculates volume through mathematical processing of these coordinates, achieving rapid and accurate measurement without physical water displacement.
2Measurement precision
If capacity comparison verification is performed manually, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the process consumes significant time and human resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated self-service measurement system where the laser measurement device autonomously scans the tank car interior and the system automatically processes the point cloud data to calculate volume. The measurement results are directly output without requiring manual intervention for data collection, processing, or calculation, significantly reducing both time and human resource consumption while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated laser scanning and computer-based data processing. The laser device automatically scans the tank interior, the system automatically generates point cloud data, performs coordinate processing, calculates volume, and outputs results. This complete automation eliminates manual labor while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If standard measuring instruments are placed on fixed sites, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the operation becomes complicated and less adaptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement system from a static fixed-site setup to a dynamic mobile system. The laser measurement device can be moved to different tank car locations and adapted to various tank sizes and shapes. The system dynamically adjusts to different measurement scenarios while maintaining consistent accuracy through automated data processing and calculation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can verify various types of tank cars with different capacities, shapes, and configurations using the same laser scanning and data processing methodology. The system is not limited to specific fixed-site instruments but can adapt to diverse measurement requirements, simplifying operations while maintaining accuracy across different applications.
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 method significantly improves measurement efficiency, reduces labor requirements, ensures operator safety, and allows for accurate volume calculations without water consumption, enabling faster and more reliable tank car volume measurements.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring point cloud data inside an oil tank, which is collected by a laser measurement device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an oil tank measurement method and system based on laser point cloud analysis, comprising: acquiring point cloud data inside an oil tank, which is collected by a laser measurement device; separating point cloud data of a main body of the oil tank from point cloud data of a plug, to acquire the point cloud data of the main body of the oil tank; calculating, based on Gauss mapping, an axis for the point cloud data of the main body of the oil tank; determining any one first plane perpendicular to the axis, and projecting a point cloud of the main body onto the first plane to obtain a point cloud of a projected cross-section of the tank body on the first plane; multi-segment fitting the point cloud of the projected cross-section of the tank body; and calculating a volume according to a result of multi-segment fitting.