Laser Scanner Beam Steering for Real-Time 3D Point Clouds
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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, particularly in generating colored 3D point clouds, which limits their effectiveness in dynamic measurement environments.
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 utilizes a beam steering unit with a fast axis for continuous rotation and a slow axis for progressive rotation, allowing for simultaneous data acquisition and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separate processing unit is added to enable real-time data processing and display, then the real-time processing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent modules: a laser scanner for data acquisition and a separate processing unit for real-time processing and display. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in its function, improving overall real-time processing capability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless data transmission is implemented between the scanner and processing unit, then the system flexibility is improved, but the data transmission reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless communication interface acts as an intermediary between the laser scanner and processing unit, enabling flexible data transmission while incorporating error correction and data validation protocols to maintain transmission reliability despite the wireless medium.
3Speed
If the beam steering unit rotates at high speed to achieve rapid scanning, then the scanning speed is improved, but the measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processing unit continuously receives data from the high-speed rotating beam steering unit and applies real-time corrections and averaging algorithms to compensate for potential precision losses, maintaining measurement accuracy despite high scanning speeds.
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 assessment and adjustment of measurement settings, thereby enhancing the system's responsiveness and usability in dynamic environments.
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 and, for example, on the basis of the transit time, the shape, and/or the phase of the pulse a distance to the surface point is derived
Implementation Method 2
Due to the high rotation speeds of the beam deflection element frequently used, the second axis is also referred to as 'the fast axis'
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.