Noncontact Scanning System with Transparent Support Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional noncontact scanning systems require multiple orientations and repositioning of objects to achieve a complete, uninterrupted scan of the exterior surface, which increases time, complexity, and expense, and often result in voids in the scan data, particularly for objects that cannot be easily turned over.
Innovation Solution
A noncontact scanning system with a support structure transparent to radiant energy, allowing complete surface scanning without repositioning, using a sequence of direct and indirect scans with scanners positioned above and below the object, and employing redundant data for precise alignment and merging of scan data sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple orientations and repositioning of objects are used to achieve complete scan coverage, then the completeness of scan data is improved, but the scanning time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support structure that is transparent to scanning light, allowing scanners to capture data from below the object. This adds a new dimensional perspective (through the support structure) that enables complete scan coverage without requiring physical repositioning of the object, thus reducing scanning time while maintaining data completeness
2Reliability
If multiple orientations and repositioning of objects are used to achieve complete scan coverage, then the completeness of scan data is improved, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is pre-configured to be transparent to scanning light and positioned to support the object within the viewing volume. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex operational procedures of manually repositioning and reorienting objects during scanning, reducing operational complexity while ensuring complete data capture
3Device complexity
If scanners are positioned only above the object, then the device complexity is reduced, but the scan coverage is incomplete due to inaccessible underside regions
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as an intermediary element that is transparent to scanning light. It enables scanners positioned above the object to capture data from regions that would normally be inaccessible (the underside), thus maintaining simple scanner configuration while achieving complete scan coverage
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 a complete three-dimensional scan of an object's entire exterior surface in a single automated operation, eliminating the need for operator intervention and providing a continuous representation of the object's shape and color, even for complex shapes that cannot be easily rotated.
Implementation Method 1
The support structure, at least within and proximate the viewing volume, is formed of a material substantially nonreflective of the radiant energy. The support structure is adapted to allow passage of the radiant energy therethrough.
Implementation Method 2
projecting radiant energy, for example laser light or projected white light structured in patterns, onto the exterior surface of an object, and then using a CCD array, CMOS array, or other suitable sensing device to detect radiant energy reflected by the exterior surface
Data Source
AI summary
A noncontact object scanning system includes a horizontal table rotatable on a vertical axis, one or more scanners above the table and one or more scanners below the table. The table allows passage of radiant energy therethrough due to its transparency or construction as a nonreflective grid. A controller automatically steps the scanners through a scanning sequence, each scan associated with a segment of the object's exterior surface. Surface segments scanned from above the table and from below the table combine to provide a comprehensive scan of the entire exterior surface. Adjacent surface segments overlap one another to provide redundant data used to overcome shadowing effects from the grid and to accurately align and merge the segments into a three dimensional representation of the complete exterior shape of the object. The scanners can incorporate color responsive light detectors whereby the three dimensional representation portrays color and shape.