Laser Scanner Alignment Using Reference Target Stripes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning laser scanners around pitch and roll axes are often inaccurate and require complex setups, such as spirit levels or multiple aids, which restrict design and size, and are limited to horizontal alignment.
Innovation Solution
A method using a reference object with transverse strip-like markings within the scanning range, allowing the laser scanner to generate a scanning pattern for alignment evaluation, enabling identification of deviations and manual or automatic adjustment to achieve desired alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spirit level is used to align the laser scanner, then horizontal alignment can be achieved, but the accuracy is insufficient and the method is limited to horizontal alignment only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spirit level system with an optical measurement system using a laser scanner and reference object. The laser scanner optically scans markings on a reference object to determine alignment deviations, substituting mechanical gravitational sensing with optical detection to achieve higher precision in both horizontal and vertical alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference object with specific markings as an intermediary between the laser scanner and the alignment measurement process. This reference object serves as a mediator that translates physical alignment deviations into measurable scanning pattern variations, enabling precise determination of both horizontal and vertical alignment status.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional technical aids such as wedges are used to achieve vertical alignment with a spirit level, then vertical alignment becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for additional mechanical alignment aids by using the laser scanner's optical measurement capability alone. The method separates the alignment measurement function from mechanical level indicators and auxiliary tools, achieving both horizontal and vertical alignment determination through a single reference object and scanning process without requiring wedges or multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the laser scanner and reference object combination universally capable of determining both horizontal and vertical alignment. The same basic setup (laser scanner + reference object with markings) performs multiple alignment functions that previously required different specialized tools, eliminating the need for wedges or separate vertical alignment devices.
3Measurement precision
If a reference object with transverse strip-like markings is scanned, then the orientation deviation can be precisely identified, but the scanning pattern analysis becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses variations in the scanning pattern's geometric characteristics (analogous to color changes in optical detection) to encode orientation deviation information. The shape, position, and spacing of scanned marking images change systematically with orientation deviations, providing precise measurement information that can be decoded through analysis of these geometric variations in the scanning pattern.
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 provides a reliable, easy-to-use, and economical means to align laser scanners, allowing for precise adjustment of pitch and roll axes without additional technical aids, enabling accurate scanning patterns and efficient alignment processes.
Implementation Method 1
The light reflected or remitted by the scanned objects is detected by suitable sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an adjustment method of a laser scanner capable of changing its direction with at least a pitch axis and a roll axis as the center by an adjustment device.SOLUTION: Within a scanning range of laser scanners, a reference target, which includes a plurality of stripe-shaped labels detectable by the laser scanners extended in a direction intersecting with a reference line and mutually separated in a direction of the reference line, is disposed. The reference target is scanned by the laser scanners so as to generate a scanning pattern of the reference target. In this case, a shape and/or arrangement of the labels is selected so as to determine whether directions of the laser scanners correspond to a desired direction based on a form of the generated scanning pattern or whether the directions of the laser scanners deviate from the desired direction. When deviation of a direction is confirmed, directions of the laser scanners are changed based on the confirmed deviation of the directions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3