Lidar Spatial Scanning for Precise Process Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-point measuring systems in process engineering fail to provide accurate spatially distributed information, leading to imprecise volume measurements and limited capabilities in monitoring sedimentation processes, determining aquatic organism sizes, and indirectly estimating gas content.
Innovation Solution
Employing a Lidar system to acquire spatial information, extract object information, and reconstruct and identify objects, with optional AI algorithms for analysis and prediction based on time curves of object information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-point measuring systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and spatial information capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task into multiple independent laser beams that scan different spatial positions. Instead of using one complex single-point sensor, multiple simple laser beams divide the measurement space into discrete scan positions, achieving spatially distributed measurement while keeping individual measuring elements simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point measurement (0D) to spatially distributed measurement by introducing spatial scanning dimensions. The laser beams scan across multiple positions in space, adding spatial dimensionality to the measurement process, enabling volume and surface measurements instead of single-point data.
2Device complexity
If single reflection path measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for non-flat surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fill level measurement into multiple laser beam reflection paths. Instead of relying on a single reflection path that fails on non-flat surfaces, multiple laser beams create multiple reflection paths that can collectively capture surface information, enabling accurate measurement even with relief-like surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple laser beams (excessive action) to ensure that at least some beams successfully reflect from the filling material surface. Even if individual beams fail due to surface geometry, the collective data from multiple beams provides sufficient information for accurate fill level determination.
3Ease of operation
If single-point measuring systems are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but information completeness about spatially distributed objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information gathering task into multiple spatial sampling points using separate laser beams. Each beam independently measures its local environment, and the control unit integrates these segmented measurements into complete spatial information about the entire measurement volume, preserving information completeness while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the measuring system to automatically scan and map the entire measurement space without manual intervention. The laser beams self-service by autonomously scanning predefined paths and the control unit automatically processes the data, maintaining ease of operation while comprehensively capturing spatially distributed information.
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 precise detection and tracking of spatially distributed objects, allowing for dynamic process adjustments and predictions in aquaculture, precision farming, and process plant monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
A Lidar system operates on the functional principle of laser distance measurement and scans its surroundings... The wavelength of the laser used depends on the intended range of application or on the surroundings of the Lidar system... a laser can be emitted more directionally, which enables a high spatial resolution of the imaging
Implementation Method 2
The previously used single-point measuring systems... are also disadvantageous for solving further measurement tasks... acquiring spatial information from the surroundings of the measuring point by means of the Lidar system
Implementation Method 3
This spatial information is generated in particular by the propagation time of the laser, as the time between emission of the laser beam at the Lidar system and reception of the reflection of the laser beam at the surroundings, and supplies information as to the distance at which objects of the surroundings are located from the Lidar system
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a measuring point in process engineering, wherein at least one Lidar (light detection and transmission) system is used at the measuring point, comprising: acquiring spatial information from the surroundings of the measuring point by means of the Lidar system; extracting object information from the spatial information; and reconstructing and identifying objects on the basis of the object information and associating the object information with the reconstructed and identified objects.