Laser Scanner Mobile Object Detection and Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laser scanners used for three-dimensional data acquisition face inefficiencies when measuring stationary objects, as mobile objects like pedestrians or vehicles introduce noise into measurement data, requiring manual operator intervention to prevent data intermingling.

Innovation Solution

A laser scanner system with integrated image pickup units and a control unit that automatically detects mobile objects by comparing image data over time, adjusts measurement parameters, and evades or temporarily stops scanning to prevent noise contamination in three-dimensional data acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual monitoring and intervention are used to prevent mobile object data contamination, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but working efficiency decreases due to operator burden and continuous manual operation required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidworking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser scanner performs self-monitoring and self-correction by automatically detecting mobile objects in the measurement area and autonomously adjusting scanning operations. The control unit compares sequentially acquired image data to identify mobile objects and automatically modifies scanning behavior without operator intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in maintaining measurement accuracy while improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where image data is continuously acquired and compared, mobile objects are detected based on changes between sequential images, and scanning operations are adjusted accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system automatically maintains measurement precision by using the detected mobile object information to control scanning behavior, eliminating the need for manual monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If automatic mobile object detection is implemented, then working efficiency improves by eliminating manual intervention, but device complexity increases due to additional image pickup units and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image pickup units serve multiple functions: they capture the measurement area for mobile object detection, provide data for comparing sequential images, and enable the control unit to identify changes indicating mobile objects. This multi-functional use of the imaging system achieves automatic mobile object detection without requiring entirely separate detection hardware, thereby improving productivity while limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the mobile object detection function with the existing imaging and scanning infrastructure. The control unit integrates image data acquisition, comparison processing, and scanning control into a unified system, combining multiple functions into existing components rather than adding entirely separate systems, thus improving efficiency while controlling complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If scanning continues without interruption to maintain continuous data acquisition, then productivity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to intermingling of mobile object data with stationary object data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata acquisition continuityVSAvoiddata purity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning operation transitions from a static continuous process to a dynamic adaptive process. The control unit continuously monitors image data for mobile objects and dynamically adjusts scanning behavior in real-time, pausing or resuming operations based on detected conditions. This dynamic approach maintains data purity by avoiding mobile object contamination while preserving overall productivity through automated continuous operation management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary action by detecting mobile objects before they can contaminate measurement data. The control unit compares sequential image data to identify mobile objects in advance and proactively adjusts scanning operations to prevent data intermingling, rather than correcting contamination after it occurs. This preliminary anti-action maintains both data purity and acquisition continuity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enhances working efficiency by automatically preventing mobile object data from intermingling with three-dimensional data, reducing operator burden and ensuring accurate, noise-free measurements.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a distance to the object to be measured by projecting a laser beam to the object to be measured, by receiving a reflection light from the object to be measured, and by measuring a distance to the object to be measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

receiving a reflection light from the object to be measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2506035B1Laser scanner and method for detecting mobile object
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP2506035B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2506035B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2506035B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A laser scanner comprises a light projecting optical system 33 for projecting a distance measuring light 40 along a projection optical axis 34, a deflecting optical member 37 for deflecting and projecting the distance measuring light to a measurement area, an elevation angle driving unit for rotating the deflecting optical member in elevation direction, a horizontal angle driving unit 20, 21, 25 for rotating the deflecting optical member in horizontal direction, a distance measuring unit 4 for carrying out measurement based on a reflection light of the distance measuring light and for acquiring distance data of the measurement area, a second image pickup unit 6 capable of continuously acquiring image data including the measurement area, and a control unit 7, wherein the control unit has a first image processing unit for acquiring a three-dimensional image based on the image data and on the distance data, and also has a second image processing unit for detecting a mobile object by comparing image data being adjacent to each other in terms of time.