Portable 3D Scanning System with Arc Tracks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D scanning systems are complex, expensive, and inconvenient, especially for objects like human limbs that cannot be placed on a rotatable platform, and manual scanning with a single depth sensor is time-consuming, prone to discontinuity, and unsuitable for non-rigid objects with non-flat surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A portable 3D scanning system with a base stand, circular arc-shaped support tracks, and moveable sensor holders allows for full 3D object surface reconstruction using depth sensing without a rotatable platform, enabling accurate and efficient scanning by rotating and positioning depth sensors along the tracks to capture data from multiple viewpoints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a rotatable platform is used for 3D scanning, then full 3D surface reconstruction is achieved, but the system becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D surface reconstruction accuracyVSAvoidscanner system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the object on a platform, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the object stationary and rotating the sensor assembly around the object. This eliminates the need for a complex rotatable platform while achieving the same 360-degree scanning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning system is segmented into a stationary base and a rotatable sensor assembly that can be independently positioned. This allows the scanning function to be separated from the object support structure, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If a single depth sensor is manually moved around the object, then full object surface coverage is achieved, but the scanning process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject surface coverageVSAvoidscanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor assembly rotates continuously around the stationary object, maintaining uninterrupted scanning action. This eliminates the need for manual repositioning and ensures continuous data capture, significantly reducing scanning time while achieving complete surface coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If a single depth sensor is manually moved around the object, then scanning is performed, but alignment discontinuity and insufficient accuracy occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual scanning operationVSAvoid3D surface reconstruction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through automated sensor positioning and coordinate transformation algorithms that continuously adjust for alignment accuracy. This eliminates manual alignment errors and ensures continuous, accurate 3D surface reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual movement of a single depth sensor is used, then scanning flexibility is maintained, but parts of the object remain uncovered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning flexibilityVSAvoidobject surface coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable sensor assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that systematically positions the depth sensor at multiple predetermined angles around the object. This ensures complete surface coverage while maintaining operational flexibility for different object types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 achieves accurate and rapid 3D surface reconstruction, suitable for non-rigid objects and those with non-flat surfaces, providing a low-cost, flexible solution for objects that cannot be conveniently placed on a rotatable platform, with the ability to use one or two sensors for fast and continuous data capture.

Implementation Method 1

a depth sensor to provide depth information of an object surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDepth sensing: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10473919B2Portable 3D scanning system for 3D surface reconstruction

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 KONICA MINOLTA SYSTEMS LABORATORY INC

AI summary

A 3D scanning system includes a base stand, two circular arc shaped support tracks, a mounting assembly for mounting the support tracks to the base stand with one or more degrees of rotational freedom, two sensor holders mounted on the respective support track for holding two depth sensors, and a drive mechanism for driving the sensor holders to move along the respective support tracks. The mounting assembly supports relative rotation of the two support tracks and pitch and roll rotations of the support tracks. To perform a 3D scan, a stationary object is placed in front of the two depth sensors. The sensor holders are moved along the respective support tracks to different positions to obtain depth images of the objects from different angles, from which a 3D surface of the object is constructed. Prior to scanning, the two depth sensors are calibrated relative to each other.