Portable 2D Scanner and 360 Camera for Annotated Floorplans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems for creating digital two-dimensional floorplans of environments are complex, require specialized personnel, and involve bulky equipment, which can delay the scanning process in time-sensitive situations.
Innovation Solution
A portable system that combines a 2D scanner with a 360° camera to generate annotated two-dimensional maps of environments, allowing for the integration of 360° images and point cloud data, and enabling rapid scanning and mapping without the need for bulky equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing measurement systems use scanning devices mounted to movable structures, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the scanning function into two independent components: a portable 2D scanner for coordinate acquisition and a separate 360° camera for image capture. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized independently, with the 2D scanner remaining lightweight and portable while the camera handles the imaging burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary that receives data from both the 2D scanner and 360° camera, processes the coordinates and images separately, and then integrates them. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture by decoupling the scanning and imaging functions while maintaining their coordination through data processing.
2Measurement precision
If scanning equipment includes bulky movable structures, then measurement precision is improved, but scanning speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the precision measurement function (2D scanner) from the imaging function (360° camera), allowing the scanner to be lightweight and rapid while the camera captures comprehensive environmental data. This eliminates the need for bulky movable structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with an optical-based 2D scanner that can be handheld or mounted on simple supports, eliminating the need for complex mechanical movable structures and thereby increasing scanning speed.
3Measurement precision
If existing systems require specialized personnel to perform scans, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic processing capabilities where the computer automatically receives coordinates from the 2D scanner, captures images from the 360° camera, and integrates them without requiring manual intervention or specialized knowledge. This self-service approach makes the system easy to operate while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the computer processes data from both devices and automatically adjusts or validates the integration of coordinates and images, reducing the need for specialized personnel to manually verify and adjust measurements.
4Measurement precision
If scanning equipment is bulky, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the scanning task between a portable 2D scanner for rapid coordinate acquisition and a 360° camera for simultaneous image capture, eliminating the time loss associated with transporting and setting up bulky equipment while maintaining 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 system allows for rapid and efficient generation of accurate two-dimensional maps with integrated 360° images and point cloud data, reducing the need for specialized personnel and minimizing scanning time, especially in time-sensitive situations.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a light and capturing a reflection to determine a distance
Implementation Method 2
the light source steering a beam of light to illuminate the object points
Implementation Method 3
the image sensor being arranged to receive light reflected from the object points
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for scanning an environment and generating an annotated 2D map is provided. The method includes acquiring, via a 2D scanner, a plurality of 2D coordinates on object surfaces in the environment, the 2D scanner having a light source and an image sensor, the image sensor being arranged to receive light reflected from the object points. A first 360° image is acquired at a first position of the environment, via a 360° camera having a plurality of cameras and a controller, the controller being operable to merge the images acquired by the plurality of cameras to generate an image having a 360° view, the 360° camera being movable from the first to a second position. A 2D map is generated based at least in part on the plurality of two-dimensional coordinates of points. The first 360° image is integrated with the 2D map.