Laser Scanner Mouse for Closed-Environment Scan Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanning devices fail to accurately join together scans taken from different positions in closed environments, such as halls, due to the inability to precisely localize and identify targets.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses a scanner mouse, equipped with a light source and camera, to trace the path between scan centers, allowing for easier registration of scans by determining the difference vector between old and new centers, and combining this data with inertial sensors for precise localization and identification of targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GPS is used to determine scan centers for joining scans by different targets, then scan registration can be performed, but the method fails in closed halls where GPS signals are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical flow measurement device as an intermediary between the laser scanner and the reference surface. This device measures the scanner's movement relative to the reference surface by detecting optical flow, serving as a mediator that enables path tracking without relying on GPS signals that fail in closed environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS-based mechanical positioning system with an optical measurement system. Instead of using satellite signals and physical coordinate systems, the invention uses optical flow detection to track scanner movement, substituting a mechanical/electromagnetic system with an optical one that works in closed environments.
2Productivity
If the laser scanner is moved to different positions for multiple scans, then complete scenes can be captured, but accurate path tracking between scan centers becomes difficult without reference surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The reference surface acts as an intermediary between the scanner and the environment. By providing a stable optical reference, it enables the optical flow device to accurately measure scanner movement and path changes, solving the path tracking precision problem when moving between scan positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously measuring the scanner's position relative to the reference surface using optical flow. This feedback information about actual scanner movement is used to correct and refine the path tracking data, improving measurement precision for scan registration.
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 accurate registration of scans by approximating the path followed by the laser scanner, allowing for improved localization and identification of targets, even in complex environments, through image processing and optical flow computation.
Implementation Method 1
the scanner mouse determines the optical flow
Implementation Method 2
by image processing, deviations can be corrected
Data Source
AI summary
In a laser scanner for optically scanning and measuring an environment, the scanner having a center which defines for a scan the stationary reference system of the scanner and the center of the scan, a light emitter which emits an emission light beam, a light receiver which receives a reception light beam reflected by an object in the environment of the scanner, a control and evaluation unit which determines, for a multitude of measuring points of the scan, at least the distance between the center of the scan and the object, the scanner, for registering a scene with several scans having different centers, being movable between the centers of the scans, and a scanner mouse for registering the path followed by the scanner between the different centers of the scans, the scanner mouse optically registering the movement of the laser scanner relative to a reference surface.