Laser Scanner Architecture for Real-Time 3D Point Cloud Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanners for optical measurement and 3D imaging lack efficient methods for real-time data processing and display, especially in environments requiring rapid data capture and visualization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a laser scanner system that includes a processing unit separate from the scanner, capable of wirelessly receiving and processing measurement data in real-time, and displaying it as a colored 3D point cloud. This system utilizes a beam steering unit with a fast axis for continuous rotation and a slow axis for progressive rotation, allowing for simultaneous data acquisition and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a laser scanner with fast axis rotation is used for rapid data acquisition, then productivity is improved, but real-time data processing and display capability deteriorates due to lack of integrated processing unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a laser scanner unit for data acquisition, a processing unit for real-time processing, and a display unit for visualization. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently and simultaneously, enabling real-time processing without compromising data acquisition speed.
Solution Approach 2:
A processing unit acts as an intermediary between the laser scanner and display system. It receives measurement data from the scanner, processes it in real-time, and transmits processed data to the display unit, thereby eliminating processing delays while maintaining high acquisition speeds.
2Loss of time
If measurement data is processed and displayed in real-time, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional processing and display components
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving data from the laser scanner, processing measurement information, managing data transmission, and coordinating with the display system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Productivity
If a separate processing unit is used for real-time processing, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional wireless communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical data transfer mechanisms (such as cables or direct optical connections) with wireless communication technology. This substitution enables real-time data processing while maintaining system portability and reducing the complexity of physical connections and associated infrastructure.
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 rapid and accurate real-time processing and display of measurement data, allowing for immediate visualization and analysis of environments, thereby enhancing the efficiency of data capture and decision-making processes.
Implementation Method 1
A common approach to this involves a scanning of the environment by means of pulsed electromagnetic radiation, e.g. laser light
Implementation Method 2
scanning laser scanners, specifically to laser scanners with a beam deflection unit rotating at high speed
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanner and a system with a laser scanner for measuring an environment. The laser scanner includes an optical distance measuring device, a support, a beam steering unit rotatably fixed to the support which rotates around a beam axis of rotation. The beam steering unit includes a mirrored surface which deflects radiation used in the optical distance measurement and an angle encoder for recording angle data. The optical distance measurement is performed by a progressive rotation of the beam steering unit about the beam axis of rotation and the continuous emission of a distance measurement radiation, the emission being made through an outlet area arranged in the direction of the mirrored surface on the support, the receiving optics for receiving radiation are arranged on the support, and wherein the outlet area has a lateral offset with respect to the optical axis of the receiving optics.