Mobile Sensor Controlled Laser Scanner Axis Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D laser scanning systems require tedious manual adjustments for limited area scans, as operators must approximate the scanner's direction without a clear view of the scan area, leading to inefficiencies and multiple attempts to capture the desired scan.

Innovation Solution

A laser scanner system integrated with a mobile computing device that detects movement using sensors like accelerometers, allowing the scanner to rotate its axes in response to the device's motion, enabling remote control and live image feedback for precise area selection and data capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of scanner angles is used for limited area scans, then the scanner can capture specific areas, but the operation becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of scanner angle adjustmentVSAvoidtime for scan setup and multiple attempts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of scanner angles with an automated optical guidance system. A camera captures the scan area, and image processing automatically determines the required scanner angles, eliminating the need for operators to manually approximate and adjust angles through multiple attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the scan area through camera imaging. This image copy is then processed to extract geometric information about the target area, allowing the system to automatically calculate scanner angles based on the visual representation rather than manual estimation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If operators approximate scanner direction manually, then scans can be performed without complex systems, but measurement precision of scan area decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of scan area selectionVSAvoidcomplexity of scanner control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the camera and scanner. The camera captures the scene, image processing algorithms extract the target area boundaries and calculate optimal scanner angles, and this information guides the scanner. This intermediary layer enables precise scan area selection without requiring direct complex control of the scanner from the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If full 360 degree scans are performed, then complete area coverage is achieved, but time and data processing requirements increase for limited area scans

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan efficiency for limited areasVSAvoidtime for unnecessary scan data collection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by capturing an image of the scan area before executing the scan. This pre-scan image is processed to identify the exact boundaries and extent of the area of interest, allowing the scanner to be configured with precise start and stop angles. This preliminary visual assessment prevents unnecessary scanning of areas outside the target region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the scan parameters dynamic by adjusting start and stop angles based on the specific area identified in the pre-scan image. Rather than performing fixed 360-degree scans, the system dynamically configures the scan range to match the actual boundaries of the area of interest, optimizing scan efficiency for each specific situation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates easy operation and efficient scanning of limited areas by allowing operators to control the scanner's position and orientation using a mobile device, reducing the time and effort required for setting up and capturing scan data.

Implementation Method 1

The mobile computing device includes a sensor to detect movement of the mobile computing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS11686934B2Remote control of a scanner using movement of a mobile computing device

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 FARO TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A system and method of providing remote control of a scanner is provided. The system includes a laser scanner device rotatable around a first axis and that includes a mirror rotatable around a second axis. The system also includes a mobile computing device operably coupled for communication to the laser scanner. The mobile computing device includes a sensor to detect movement of the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device also includes one or more processors and computer instructions to perform a method that includes connecting to the laser scanner to transmit signals therebetween; detecting a motion of the mobile computing device; and causing the laser scanner to modify at least one of the first angle of rotation of the laser scanner about the first axis and the second angle of rotation of the mirror about the second axis in response to detecting motion of the mobile computing device.