Multi-Sensor Scanning Device with Cross-Laser Alignment and Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scanning large objects with conventional scanners is challenging due to alignment issues, focus adjustment, and image stitching problems caused by using multiple image sensors, which are difficult and expensive to manufacture in wide formats.
Innovation Solution
A scanning device with a light source, first and second image sensors, and a laser component that projects a cross-shaped laser light onto an overlapping region, allowing simultaneous image capture and alignment, focus adjustment, and image stitching through alternating light source and laser use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple image sensors are used to scan large objects, then the scanning area is increased, but alignment and stitching problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
A laser component projects a reference pattern (cross shape or multiple points) onto the object surface as an intermediary marker. This reference pattern is captured by multiple image sensors to determine their relative positions and orientations, enabling precise alignment and stitching of images from different sensors without requiring manual calibration.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple image sensors are used to scan large objects, then the scanning area is increased, but image stitching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser-projected reference pattern serves as a common intermediary feature visible to all image sensors. By tracking the positions of this pattern across multiple sensor images, the system automatically computes transformation parameters for stitching, greatly simplifying the complexity of combining images from multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the captured reference pattern to provide feedback on the actual positions and orientations of image sensors. This feedback is used to dynamically adjust alignment parameters and stitching transformations in real-time, ensuring accurate image combination even when sensors experience positional variations.
3Measurement precision
If a cross-shaped laser light is projected onto the overlapping region, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser component projects light with a specific wavelength that appears as a distinct color or brightness level in the image sensor captures. This optical property allows easy differentiation of the reference pattern from the actual object content, simplifying the extraction and processing of alignment information while maintaining high measurement precision.
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
The device effectively addresses alignment, focus, and stitching issues by using a cross-shaped laser light for simultaneous image capture, enabling efficient scanning of large objects with improved accuracy and reduced processing power.
Implementation Method 1
a laser component configured for projecting laser light onto the object
Implementation Method 2
a light source for illuminating the object
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and a scanning device for digital image scanning of a surface of an object. The scanning device comprising a light source for illuminating the object. The scanning device comprising a first image sensor configured for capturing a first set of images of a first region of the object, where the first region is illuminated by the light source. The scanning device comprising a second image sensor configured for capturing a second set of images of a second region of the object, where the second region is illuminated by the light source. The scanning device comprising a laser component configured for projecting laser light onto the object. The projected laser light has a shape of a cross on the object. The first image sensor and the second image sensor are configured to capture/cover an overlapping region on the object. The overlapping region comprising a part of the first region of the object and a part of the second region of the object. The laser light from the laser component is configured to be projected onto the overlapping region. The first image sensor and the second image sensor are configured for capturing a third set of images and a fourth set of images, respectively, of the object including the projected laser light on the overlapping region.