Laser Scanner Point Cloud Alignment Without Known Survey Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveying methods using laser scanners require setting known points within the scanning range, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when scanning ranges without pre-defined known points.
Innovation Solution
A surveying method that performs multiple laser scans of reflection prisms at unknown positions, extracts their relative positions from point cloud data, and aligns the data using these prisms to create connection data without requiring known points in each scan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If known points are included in each scanning range to connect point cloud data, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming setup work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by setting up reflection prisms before the survey begins. These prisms are placed at predetermined locations in advance, creating a reusable reference framework. During subsequent scans, the system automatically detects these pre-positioned prisms to establish coordinate transformations, eliminating the need to manually set known points for each scan location and significantly improving workflow efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reflection prisms as intermediary objects that facilitate the connection between different scan positions. These prisms serve as mediating reference points that the laser scanner can automatically detect and use to calculate coordinate transformations. The intermediaries enable seamless data integration across multiple scan locations without requiring manual intervention at each position
2Reliability
If known points are set in new laser scan ranges, then reliability of data connection is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a set of reflection prisms that serve multiple functions across different scan locations. The same physical prisms are used as reference points for coordinate transformation in every new scan position, making the reference system universally applicable throughout the entire survey area. This eliminates the need to create new known points for each location, saving time while maintaining reliable data connection
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting the reflection prisms and performing coordinate transformation calculations without human intervention. The laser scanner autonomously identifies the prism positions in the point cloud data, computes the transformation parameters, and applies them to align the new scan data with the existing coordinate system, eliminating manual setup time while ensuring reliable connections
3Area of stationary object
If multiple laser scans are performed to cover different ranges, then area of survey coverage is improved, but device complexity increases due to data alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual data alignment operations with automated computational processing. Instead of requiring manual coordinate transformations and data registration, the system uses algorithms to automatically detect reflection prisms in each scan, calculate transformation parameters, and align point clouds. This substitution of automated computation for manual mechanical alignment processes reduces operational complexity while enabling comprehensive area coverage through multiple scans
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 efficient acquisition of point cloud data with high accuracy and reduced operational man-hours by using reflection prisms as references, allowing for seamless connection of data across different scan ranges.
Implementation Method 1
extraction of relative positions of the multiple reflection prisms from first point cloud data acquired by the first laser scan
Implementation Method 2
A measurement method for obtaining point cloud data of a space by combining point clouds using a laser scanner
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure allows the acquisition of point cloud data by multiple laser scans with a simple operation without including a known point in a scanning range for each scan. A surveying method using a laser scanner 2 includes: first laser scan of multiple reflection prisms 4 at unknown positions and a survey target range; second laser scan of a range including the multiple reflection prisms 4 that were subjected to the first laser scan and that is different from the range of the first laser scan; extraction of relative positions of the reflection prisms 4 from first point cloud data PC1 acquired by the first laser scan and second point cloud data PC2 acquired by the second laser scan; and creation of connection data 352 by connecting the first point cloud data PC1 and the second point cloud data PC2.