Integrated Line Scanner Processing for Faster 3D Coordinate Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld line scanners face challenges such as lengthy data processing delays, reduced resolution leading to loss of fine features, range limitations due to electrical cable lengths, and excessive noise from speckle, necessitating improvements in accuracy and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The system integrates a first light source for projecting lines of light, a second light source for illuminating reflective markers, and image sensors to determine the locations of both, with processors for simultaneous processing within a unified frame, eliminating the need for adhesive markers and reducing speckle noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If external computer processing is used for 3D coordinate data, then processing capability is sufficient, but processing time increases causing lengthy delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the processing unit directly into the handheld line scanner, merging the scanning and processing functions into a single device. This eliminates the need for external computer processing and reduces data transfer time, thereby decreasing processing delays while maintaining adequate processing capability through onboard computational resources.
2Productivity
If resolution is reduced to speed up processing, then processing speed increases, but fine features are eliminated in the 3D coordinates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic processing where the system adaptively adjusts processing parameters based on the complexity of the scanned object. For objects with fine features, the system maintains higher resolution processing, while for simpler geometries, it can operate at lower resolution to maximize speed. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between processing speed and measurement precision contextually.
3Ease of operation
If adhesive markers are used for registration, then 3D coordinate registration is enabled, but measurement accuracy is reduced and workflow is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for adhesive markers by implementing an alternative registration system that uses natural features of the workpiece or the scanner's own motion tracking capabilities. This extraction of the marker dependency simplifies the workflow by eliminating the application and removal steps while maintaining registration functionality through other means such as feature-based recognition or inertial measurement units.
4Use of energy by moving object
If electrical cables are used for power supply, then power is provided to handheld scanner, but range is limited by maximum cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical cable-based power supply system with a wireless power transmission system or an integrated battery power system. This substitution eliminates the physical constraint of cable length, allowing the handheld scanner to operate freely over larger measurement ranges without being tethered by cable limitations, thereby extending the effective working range of the device.
5Measurement precision
If laser light is used for projection, then 3D coordinate determination is enabled, but speckle noise increases causing excessive noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the projected light by using multiple wavelengths or modulating the temporal characteristics of the light source. This parameter change transforms the coherent laser light into a less coherent illumination that reduces speckle formation. The system maintains sufficient coherence for 3D coordinate determination while minimizing the harmful speckle noise through these parameter adjustments.
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 enables faster and more accurate 3D coordinate determination without the need for adhesive markers, reduces speckle noise, and allows measurement of large objects without cable constraints, enhancing the efficiency and precision of handheld scanners.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source operable to project one or more lines of light onto an object; a second light source operable to illuminate reflective markers on or near the object; one or more image sensors operable to receive first reflected light from the one or more lines of light and second reflected light from the illuminated markers
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first light source that projects lines of light onto an object, a second light source that illuminates markers on or near the object, one or more image sensors that receive first reflected light from the projected lines of light and second reflected light from the illuminated markers, one or more processors that determine the locations of the lines of light on the image sensors based on the first reflected light and that determines the locations of the markers on the image sensors based on the second reflected light, and a frame physically coupled to the first light source, the second light source, the one or more image sensors, and the one or more processors.