Laser Scanner Layout for Integrated Color and Distance Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser scanners for optical measurement and 3D point cloud generation lack efficient color sensitivity, leading to grayscale displays without additional data, which complicates human interpretation and integration of color data with distance measurement data.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanner system with a color camera integrated for surface sensor data, allowing simultaneous data collection and processing with distance measurement data, enabling the generation of colored 3D point clouds through wireless data streaming and processing on a separate computing device, and featuring a compact design with minimal control elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a laser scanner uses only distance measurement without color sensitivity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information increases due to grayscale display limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a distance measurement device (laser scanner) with a color camera into an integrated system. The distance measurement device captures depth information while the color camera captures RGB information simultaneously, merging two separate sensing functions into one unified device that outputs both distance and color data for each measurement point.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions: it measures distance via time-of-flight laser scanning and simultaneously captures color information via the color camera. This multi-functional approach allows the single device to replace what would traditionally require separate depth sensing and color imaging equipment.
2Device complexity
If color camera data and distance measurement data are processed separately, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to separate processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the processing of color camera data and distance measurement data into a single integrated processing pipeline. The processor simultaneously handles both data streams and combines them to generate colored 3D point clouds, eliminating the need for separate processing steps and improving overall productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the laser scanner is designed with compact dimensions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision may be compromised due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested design where the color camera and distance measurement device are integrated in a compact configuration. The components are arranged to share space and optical paths where possible, allowing the system to maintain accurate measurement capabilities while fitting into a portable, handheld form factor that is easy to operate.
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 real-time display of colored 3D point clouds, improving data interpretation and allowing for immediate adjustments during measurement processes, while maintaining a compact and efficient laser scanner design.
Implementation Method 1
an optical distance measuring device for detecting distance measurement data, with a transmitter unit for emitting a distance measurement radiation and a receiver unit for receiving returning parts of the distance measurement radiation
Implementation Method 2
A laser scanner for optical measurement and for imaging an environment, in particular for generating and displaying a colored 3D point cloud
Implementation Method 3
at least one rotating beam deflection element for variation of the alignment of the emission direction of the distance measurement beam
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.