Laser Scanner Layout for Real-Time Color 3D Point Clouds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanners lack color sensitivity, resulting in grayscale 3D point clouds that are difficult for the human eye to visualize, and simultaneous capture of camera and distance measurement data is often limited by design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanner system with a rotating beam deflection unit and a planar sensor, such as an RGB camera, configured to capture data in a way that the sensor's optical axis differs from the scanning plane, allowing for continuous data streaming and processing of color-enhanced 3D point clouds during the scanning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a laser scanner uses a rotating beam deflection unit for high-speed scanning, then scanning speed and coverage area are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of synchronizing camera data with distance measurement data increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera and distance measurement device into a single integrated scanner unit, where both sensors share the same support structure and rotation mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting and synchronization systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high scanning speed through the shared fast-axis rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it holds both the camera and distance measurement device, provides the rotation axis for the beam deflection unit, and acts as the mounting platform for the entire scanning assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Device complexity
If the sensor's optical axis is aligned with the scanning plane, then data correlation is simplified, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately positions the camera's optical axis at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the scanning plane rather than aligning them symmetrically. This asymmetric arrangement allows the camera to capture the scanned environment from an optimized viewing angle while maintaining a compact device footprint, avoiding the need for larger alignment structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameter (orientation angle) of the camera relative to the scanning plane to optimize both visualization quality and device compactness. By adjusting this angular parameter, the system achieves effective data correlation without requiring the sensor to be co-aligned with the scanning plane.
3Volume of moving object
If the laser scanner is designed for compact size, then portability is improved, but the integration of multiple sensors and components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the distance measurement device within the camera housing, or positions one sensor within the structural framework of the other. This nesting arrangement allows both sensors to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial volumes, achieving compact integration without requiring separate mounting structures, thereby improving portability while managing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure uses thin-walled but rigid materials that provide sufficient mechanical strength to hold and align the sensors while occupying minimal volume. These flexible yet sturdy structures enable compact integration of multiple components without compromising structural integrity or alignment precision.
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 the generation of color-enhanced 3D point clouds in real-time, facilitating easier visualization and integration of camera data with distance measurement data, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a beam deflection unit for deflecting the distance measurement radiation, in particular a plane mirror tilted with respect to a rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
Based on the propagation time, shape, and/or phase of the pulse, a distance to the surface point is derived
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laser scanner and to a system comprising a laser scanner for measuring in an environment.