Laser Scanner Variable Speed Scanning for Data Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanners operate at a fixed angular speed, resulting in inefficient data collection and storage, as they acquire millions of surface points, many of which are not needed to adequately represent objects, leading to a tradeoff between scanning speed and resolution.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanner system that dynamically adjusts its scanning speed and surface point density based on the characteristics of the scanned volume, using a processor to identify areas of high and low information content and adjust the rotational speed of the scanner accordingly, allowing for variable surface point acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser scanner operates at fixed angular speed collecting data at uniform density, then measurement coverage is complete, but data storage requirement increases and scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the surface point density according to the local geometric characteristics of the scanned object. Areas with high curvature or complex features (high information content) receive higher point density, while flat or simple areas receive lower density. This is achieved by analyzing the scanned geometry to identify regions requiring higher resolution and dynamically adjusting the laser beam scanning parameters to collect more points in those specific locations, thereby reducing overall data volume while maintaining measurement precision where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the scanning speed and point acquisition rate variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the angular speed of the laser beam based on real-time analysis of the scanned surface characteristics. When complex geometric features are detected, the scanner slows down to capture more points; when simple features are detected, the scanner speeds up to reduce scanning time and data volume. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between complete measurement coverage and reduced data storage requirements.
2Measurement precision
If laser scanner increases surface point density to improve resolution, then measurement precision improves, but scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating high-resolution measurement efforts only in regions where geometric complexity demands it. The system analyzes the scanned surface to identify areas with high curvature, edges, or intricate features, and directs higher point density specifically to those locations. Flat or simple surfaces are scanned at lower resolution, significantly reducing the total number of points collected and thereby reducing scanning time while maintaining adequate resolution where it matters most.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by collecting more surface points than the absolute minimum required for complete coverage, but only in specific regions where geometric complexity necessitates higher resolution. Rather than uniformly increasing point density across the entire scanned volume (which would unnecessarily increase scanning time), the system performs partial high-density scanning only in areas of interest, optimizing the balance between resolution and scanning time.
3Reliability
If laser scanner collects uniform density surface points across entire scanned volume, then complete coverage is achieved, but data processing and display time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the point density distribution according to the local information content of different regions in the scanned volume. Areas with complex geometric features (high information content) are scanned at higher density to ensure complete and accurate representation, while areas with simple, uniform surfaces are scanned at lower density. This non-uniform sampling strategy maintains measurement completeness for critical features while significantly reducing the total data volume requiring processing and display, thereby reducing data processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the extraction principle by identifying and removing redundant data points from regions of low information content. After initial scanning, the system analyzes the geometric features to determine which areas contain redundant information that does not contribute significantly to the overall representation of the scanned object. These redundant points are excluded from further processing, reducing the data volume and processing time while maintaining measurement completeness in regions where geometric complexity requires full detail.
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 reduces the amount of data storage needed, decreases the time to complete a measurement, and allows for faster graphical display of acquired data while maintaining high resolution in areas of interest, thereby optimizing data collection and storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
providing the scanner having a light source, a mirror, a first motor, a second motor, a first angle measuring device, a second angle measuring device, a receiver, a distance meter... the scanner being configured to emit a light from the light source and reflect the light onto the surface... determine with the processor a three-dimensional coordinate of a point on the surface based at least in part on the first angle measuring device, the second angle measuring device and a reflection of the light from the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for acquiring three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of a surface is provided. The method includes providing the scanner configured to emit a light from the light source and reflect the light onto the surface, the scanner further being configured to determine with a processor a three-dimensional coordinate of a point on the surface based at least in part on a first and second angle measuring device and a reflection of the light from the surface. An image is acquired of the surface with a camera and a feature is identified. A first area is identified having a high information content and a first arc segment is determined. The surface is scanned by rotating a motor at a first speed during the first arc segment and at a second speed during a second arc segment, the second speed being greater than the first speed.