Laser Scanner Beam Steering for Real-Time 3D Point Cloud Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanners for optical measurement and 3D imaging lack efficient methods for real-time data processing and display, especially in environments requiring rapid data capture and visualization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a laser scanner system that includes a processing unit separate from the scanner, capable of wirelessly receiving and processing measurement data in real-time, and displaying it as a colored 3D point cloud. This system features a beam steering unit with a virtual 360-degree rotation and a surface sensor with a unique viewing direction, allowing for continuous data streaming and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separate processing unit is added for real-time data processing, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent modules: the laser scanner for data acquisition and a separate processing unit for real-time data processing and display. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while enabling real-time processing capabilities without overloading the scanner hardware.
2Ease of operation
If wireless data transmission is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The physical connection between scanner and processing unit is replaced with wireless communication (WiFi/Bluetooth). This substitution provides operational flexibility and ease of deployment while maintaining data integrity through error correction protocols and encrypted transmission channels.
3Productivity
If beam steering unit rotates at high speed for rapid scanning, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The beam steering unit operates with periodic rotation at high speed to rapidly scan the environment. The periodic nature of the rotation, combined with synchronized angle encoder readings, ensures that despite the high speed, precise angular position data is captured at each measurement point, maintaining measurement accuracy while achieving rapid scanning.
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 rapid and accurate real-time processing and display of measurement data, allowing for immediate visualization and analysis of environments, thereby enhancing the efficiency of data capture and interpretation.
Implementation Method 1
A common approach to this involves a scanning of the environment by means of pulsed electromagnetic radiation, e.g. laser light, wherein an echo is received from a back-scattering surface point of the environment
Implementation Method 2
scanning sensing, wherein the present invention relates mainly to scanning laser scanners, specifically to laser scanners with a beam deflection unit rotating at high speed
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanner and a system with a laser scanner for measuring an environment. The laser scanner includes an optical distance measuring device, a support, a beam steering unit rotatably fixed to the support which rotates around a beam axis of rotation. The beam steering unit includes a mirrored surface which deflects radiation used in the optical distance measurement and an angle encoder for recording angle data. The optical distance measurement is performed by a progressive rotation of the beam steering unit about the beam axis of rotation and the continuous emission of a distance measurement radiation, the emission being made through an outlet area arranged in the direction of the mirrored surface on the support, the receiving optics for receiving radiation are arranged on the support, and wherein the outlet area has a lateral offset with respect to the optical axis of the receiving optics.