Laser Scanner Thermography Integration 3D Point Cloud
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanners lack the capability to effectively integrate thermography data with 3D scans, limiting the precision and spatial measurement capabilities of temperature distribution analysis in objects.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanner with a rotatable head and a thermography camera that captures thermographic data, which is then linked to the 3D point cloud, allowing for a 3D representation of both geometric and thermal information, enabling precise evaluation and navigation within the 3D thermography data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser scanner is used to create a 3D scan of a measurement object, then geometric measurement precision is improved, but the ability to analyze thermal distribution and spatial temperature variations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a laser scanner for 3D geometric scanning with a thermographic camera for thermal imaging into a single integrated measurement system. Both sensors are mounted on the same rotating platform and synchronized to capture geometric and thermal data from identical spatial positions, enabling simultaneous acquisition of complete 3D geometric models and corresponding thermal distribution maps of the measurement object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a thermal dimension to the traditional 3D geometric point cloud by integrating thermographic data. Each pixel in the thermographic images is mapped to corresponding 3D spatial coordinates, creating a multi-dimensional dataset that includes both geometric information (x, y, z coordinates) and thermal information (temperature values), enabling comprehensive analysis of both shape and heat distribution.
2Temperature
If a thermographic camera is used to capture thermal images, then thermal distribution data is acquired, but spatial measurement precision and 3D geometric accuracy are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coordinate systems of the laser scanner and thermographic camera through calibration procedures. By establishing transformation matrices between the two sensor coordinate systems based on known reference points, the system achieves precise spatial registration, allowing thermal measurements to be accurately positioned in 3D space with the same geometric precision as the laser scanner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or separate measurement procedures with an automated integrated system. The synchronized rotation and data acquisition of both sensors eliminate the need for separate geometric scanning and thermal imaging operations, automatically achieving precise spatial correlation through time-synchronized data collection from the same platform position.
3Productivity
If separate 3D scanning and thermography operations are performed, then individual measurements are obtained, but integration and correlation of geometric and thermal data are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent physically integrates the laser scanner and thermographic camera on a common rotating platform with shared control systems. This mechanical merging ensures that both sensors capture data from identical positions and orientations simultaneously, greatly simplifying the data integration process by eliminating the need for complex post-processing registration and correlation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous synchronized operation of both sensors during a single scanning cycle. The laser scanner and thermographic camera rotate together and capture data continuously along the same measurement path, ensuring uninterrupted acquisition of correlated geometric and thermal data sets without requiring separate operations or complex temporal synchronization.
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 solution provides a more accurate evaluation of thermography data compared to 2D representations, allowing for exact spatial measurements and improved detection of structural inhomogeneities, damage, or heat radiation variations, while maintaining non-destructive measurement processes.
Implementation Method 1
a device for acquiring thermographic data of the measurement object to be measured... This 3D thermography data can then be assigned to the measurement points/pixels of the 3D scan
Implementation Method 2
Measuring optics, in particular laser optics, are arranged in the rotating head. These optics direct a measuring beam emitted by a transmitter onto a measurement object
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a laser scanner designed to include a thermographic camera. Also disclosed is a method for capturing thermographic data using a laser scanner of this type.