Laser Scanner Multi-Sensor Data Association for 3D Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanners lack the capability to simultaneously acquire and display multiple parameters related to scanned objects, such as 3D coordinates, gray-scale values, and additional sensory data like infrared or ultraviolet emissions, which limits operator visualization and data completeness verification.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanner system that includes a light transmitter, receiver, first and second image acquisition units, and a processor to associate color values with measurement points, allowing for the simultaneous display of 3D scan data, visual images, and acquired parameter data on a user interface, enabling panoramic and 3D views for enhanced visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser scanner only collects basic 3D coordinates (distance and two angles), then the device complexity is low and operation is simple, but the measurement precision and data completeness are insufficient for advanced applications
Solution Approach 1:
The laser scanner is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it collects 3D coordinates, captures color images, and records additional sensory data (infrared, ultraviolet, temperature) using integrated sensors. This multi-functionality allows the device to gather comprehensive data sets including visual, thermal, and structural information in a single scanning operation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple data acquisition systems (laser ranging, color camera, infrared sensor, ultraviolet sensor, temperature sensor) into a single integrated laser scanner device. All these sensors are co-located and synchronized to capture data from the same spatial coordinates, enabling the device to achieve high measurement precision while managing complexity through unified system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If the laser scanner integrates multiple sensors and data acquisition systems, then the measurement precision and data completeness improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex data acquisition system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a laser transmitter/receiver unit for 3D coordinate collection, a color image acquisition unit, and separate sensing devices for infrared, ultraviolet, and temperature detection. Each module operates independently but is synchronized by a central processor that correlates all data sets to the same spatial coordinates, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing devices with different detection capabilities are nested within a single laser scanner housing. The infrared sensor, ultraviolet sensor, temperature sensor, and color camera are all integrated into the same physical platform, sharing common mounting structures and control systems. This nesting approach allows comprehensive data collection while consolidating complexity into a unified device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If the laser scanner collects and processes multiple data sets simultaneously, then the measurement precision and visualization quality improve, but the loss of time increases due to processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The laser scanner performs preliminary actions by collecting all necessary data sets (3D coordinates, color images, infrared, ultraviolet, temperature) simultaneously during a single scanning operation. All sensors capture data at the same time rather than sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple separate scanning operations and reducing the overall time required to gather comprehensive measurement data.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning process maintains continuity by operating all sensors simultaneously throughout the measurement period. The laser transmitter continuously emits beams while the receiver, color camera, and various sensing devices continuously capture data. This continuous parallel operation ensures that all data sets are collected in real-time without interruption, maximizing measurement precision while minimizing total processing time.
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 operators to verify data completeness and visualize scanned volumes with improved accuracy by displaying multiple data sets simultaneously, including temperature changes and movement detection, facilitating applications like industrial scanning and security surveillance.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a beam of light onto the objects and collecting the reflected or scattered light to determine the distance, two-angles
Implementation Method 2
transmitting a beam of light onto the objects and collecting the reflected or scattered light
Implementation Method 3
A receiver is provided for receiving a reflected light beams reflected from the plurality of measurement points
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanner for optically scanning and measuring an environment is provided. The laser scanner includes a light transmitter for emitting a light beam to measure a plurality of points in the environment, the light transmitter coupled to the rotating unit. A receiver is provided for receiving a reflected light beam reflected from the plurality of measurement points, the receiver being coupled to the rotating unit. A first image acquisition unit is configured to record a visible image of an area of the environment that includes the plurality of points. A sensing device is configured to record data of the area. A processor is operably coupled to the receiver, the first image acquisition unit and the sensing device, the processor is configured to associate a color value from the visible image and a recorded data value from the sensing device with each of the plurality of points.