3D Laser Scanner Real-Time Target Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D laser scanners require post-processing to identify and register targets, which can be unstable due to occluded targets and hardware constraints, leading to delayed scan completion and lack of real-time indication of target capture.
Innovation Solution
The 3D measuring device and method enable the scanner to identify sphere and checkerboard targets from adjacent scan lines, allowing for real-time processing and registration of multiple scans using a processor system with a 3D scanner, beam steering unit, and light receiver, determining target locations and error functions to select center points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the scanner loads and processes entire scan data to identify targets, then target identification accuracy is improved, but processing time and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scan data into individual scan lines and processes them independently. Instead of loading entire scan data, the system processes scan lines sequentially, identifying targets within each scan line segment. This segmentation reduces memory requirements and processing time while maintaining identification accuracy through systematic examination of each scan line segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs target identification during the scanning process itself rather than after complete data acquisition. By processing scan lines in real-time as they are acquired, the system performs preliminary actions to identify targets immediately, eliminating the need for post-processing of entire scan datasets and reducing overall processing time.
2Device complexity
If post-processing is used to identify and register targets, then hardware complexity is reduced, but scan completion is delayed and real-time indication is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements target identification during the scanning process itself, performing preliminary actions before the scan completes. The processor continuously monitors scan lines for target characteristics in real-time, enabling immediate detection and registration without requiring separate post-processing stages, thus maintaining hardware simplicity while improving scan completion speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous target identification activity throughout the scanning process. Instead of stopping scanning for post-processing, the system continuously processes scan lines as they are acquired, ensuring uninterrupted scanning while simultaneously performing target detection and registration operations.
3Quantity of substance
If the scanner processes scan lines sequentially, then memory requirements are reduced, but target registration stability decreases due to occluded targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the processor monitors target detection results and uses this information to adjust registration processes. When targets are detected in scan lines, the system uses this feedback to refine registration parameters and compensate for potential occlusions, maintaining registration stability even when processing scan lines sequentially with reduced memory usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of target candidates during sequential scan line processing, then validates and refines these identifications using feedback from multiple scan lines. This preliminary action followed by verification ensures that even if individual targets are occluded, the overall registration stability is maintained through cross-validation of multiple detection points.
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 identification and registration of targets within the scanner, reducing the need for additional hardware and ensuring accurate scan synthesis without requiring entire scan loading, thus improving scan completion speed and stability.
Implementation Method 1
A distance meter in the scanner measures a distance to the object by measuring phase shifts in light reflected back to the scanner from the object
Implementation Method 2
phase shift 3D laser scanners steer a beam of light to a non-cooperative target such as a diffusely scattering surface of an object. A distance meter in the scanner measures a distance to the object by measuring phase shifts in light reflected back to the scanner from the object
Implementation Method 3
The beam steering unit includes a first motor that steers the beam of light about a first axis and a second motor that steers the beam of light about a second axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A scanner that can detect types of targets in a scan are includes a processor, housing and a 3D scanner disposed within the housing. The 3D scanner has a light source, a beam steering unit, a first angle measuring device, a second angle measuring device, and a light receiver, the beam steering unit cooperating with the light source and light receiver to define a scan area, the light source and the light receiver configured to cooperate with the processor system to determine locations a plurality of points in the scan area. In cases where the targets are spheres, the processor is configured to: identify potential sphere center points in the scan area by processing points identified in a single scan line; record locations of potential sphere center points; and compare some or all of the recorded locations to one another to select a sphere center point.