Optical Scanning Attachment for Confined Volume 3D Data Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning systems face limitations in capturing detailed 3D data from partially closed volumes due to restricted access and geometric complexity, particularly in small cavities and complex shapes, which hinders precise and comprehensive scanning.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanning attachment integrated with a digitizing arm, featuring a laser, optical elements, and a camera, projects a laser pattern onto the surface of partially closed volumes, allowing for precise 360-degree scanning through an elongated member with a proximal and distal end configuration, enabling accurate capture of intricate details via a wide-angle lens and conical mirror, and transmitting images via fiber optics for processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional scanning systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the scanning capability in partially closed volumes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical scanning attachment is integrated within the elongated member structure, with lasers, optical elements, and cameras nested inside the elongated member. This allows the scanning system to access confined spaces while maintaining a compact, manageable form factor that can be maneuvered into partially closed volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical projection and capture in three-dimensional space, transforming the scanning capability from conventional two-dimensional surface scanning to comprehensive 3D volumetric scanning. The conical mirror and wide-angle lens enable capture of spatial information from multiple angles simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the laser is positioned inside the elongated member, then the scanning access to confined spaces is improved, but the laser light emission may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Optical elements such as mirrors and lenses act as intermediaries to redirect and focus the laser light from its position inside the elongated member to the target surface. The conical mirror specifically redirects light to create conical projection patterns that enhance coverage of confined spaces while maintaining adequate illumination intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses specific laser wavelengths and optical element coatings optimized for particular spectral ranges to maximize light emission efficiency and penetration through the elongated member structure, ensuring adequate illumination despite the constrained positioning.
3Area of stationary object
If a wide-angle lens is used, then the field of view is expanded, but the lens positioning and alignment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wide-angle lens is integrated with the conical mirror and camera into a unified optical assembly positioned at the distal end of the elongated member. This merging of optical components simplifies the overall alignment requirements compared to separate systems, as the components are pre-coordinated to work together as a single optical unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical mirror and curved optical paths inherent in wide-angle lens design are utilized to expand the field of view while the entire optical assembly is mounted on the articulated digitizing arm, which provides mechanical positioning and alignment capabilities to accommodate the curved optical geometry.
4Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and optical elements are integrated, then the scanning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical scanning attachment serves multiple functions: the lasers provide structured light projection, the optical elements (conical mirror, wide-angle lens) provide both beam shaping and image capture, and the cameras capture multiple views. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the captured images from multiple cameras to compute three-dimensional coordinates of surface points, with the digitizing arm providing positional feedback to correlate the optical measurements with precise spatial locations. This feedback loop enables high measurement precision by continuously refining the mapping between optical observations and physical coordinates.
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 solution enhances scanning capabilities by enabling detailed and accurate 3D data acquisition within confined spaces, offering a versatile and adaptable solution for diverse applications, from precision engineering to heritage conservation, with improved precision and comprehensive coverage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one laser operable to generate a laser light at a frequency
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical element operable to receive the laser light and create a light pattern
Implementation Method 3
at least one camera including a lens and configured to receive an image of the light pattern on the surface
Implementation Method 4
the image of the light pattern on the surface of the partially closed volume is transmitted, via a fiber optic cable, to the digitizing arm for processing
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning system and method are provided that may include an optical scanning attachment coupled to a digitizing arm for use in a three-dimensional (3D) scan of a surface of a partially closed volume. The optical scanning attachment including at least one laser operable to generate a laser light at a frequency. The optical scanning attachment further includes at least one optical element operable to receive the laser light and create a light pattern. The optical scanning attachment further includes at least one camera including a lens and configured to receive an image of the light pattern on the surface of the partially closed volume. The optical scanning attachment further includes an elongated member having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is positioned closer to the digitizing arm as compared to the distal end, wherein the at least one laser is positioned so that external laser light emanates adjacent the distal end of the elongated member.