3D Laser Scanner Panoramic Image Contrast Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-dimensional laser scanners face challenges in acquiring panoramic images with optimal contrast, as the contrast adjustment at the center of the image pickup range often results in suboptimal brightness in parts that are too bright or too dark, affecting the quality of the color information attached to measuring points.

Innovation Solution

A method that divides the measurement area into smaller sections than the photographing range, adjusts contrast in multiple stages based on horizontal and elevation angles, synthesizes partial images, and selects the appropriate contrast for each section to create a panoramic image with optimal contrast, using a three-dimensional laser scanner equipped with a light source, projection optical system, photodetection unit, scanning unit, and control unit to execute these steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If contrast is adjusted at the center of the panoramic image to optimize the center photographing range, then the center area achieves optimal contrast, but the peripheral areas become too bright or too dark with suboptimal contrast

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrast qualityVSAvoiduniformity across measurement range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement range is divided into multiple sections (e.g., 5x5 grid) that are smaller than the photographing range of a single image pickup device. Each section is photographed separately with individually optimized contrast settings, allowing contrast optimization for each section while maintaining overall coverage of the panoramic area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different contrast settings are applied to different sections of the measurement range based on their specific brightness characteristics. Each section can have its own optimal contrast parameters, allowing peripheral sections to be optimized independently from the center section, thereby achieving uniform contrast quality across the entire panoramic image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If the measurement range is widened beyond the photographing range of a single image pickup device, then broader coverage is achieved, but the image requires synthesis of multiple partial images with different contrast characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement rangeVSAvoidcontrast consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wide measurement range is segmented into multiple smaller sections that can be individually photographed with optimized contrast settings. This segmentation allows each section to be captured with appropriate contrast while maintaining overall wide coverage through subsequent synthesis of the partial images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach ensures high-quality image acquisition of objects at any position in the panoramic image by optimizing contrast, allowing for better recognition and representation of objects with appropriate color information.

Implementation Method 1

The three-dimensional laser scanner is installed at a reference point, scans a measurement range or an object to be measured with a pulse laser beam, measures a distance for each pulse laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

measures a distance for each pulse laser beam and acquires point-group data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2498102B1Panoramic Image Preparing Method and Three-Dimensional Laser Scanner
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP2498102B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2498102B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2498102B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A panoramic image preparing method comprises a step of setting a measurement range 70 so as to include objects to be measured 72, 73, and 74, a step of dividing the measurement range as required and setting two or more sections 71 and a step of synthesizing partial images 81 photographed for each of the sections and preparing a panoramic image 80, a step of photographing each of the sections under two or more image pickup conditions and a step of synthesizing the panoramic image by using the partial image photographed under an optimal image pickup condition at least about the object to be measured.