Rotating 3D Coordinate Measurement With Patterned ToF Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D measurement systems, such as traditional ToF scanners, face limitations in cost, accuracy, and performance, particularly when using arrays of photosensors, which are less responsive and have limited optical bandwidth, leading to reduced accuracy and slower measurements.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a rotating body with a light source emitting a pattern of light, coupled with a 2D array of pixels, determines 3D coordinates based on the reflection of light and the speed of light in air, employing either direct or indirect ToF methods, and generates a dense 3D point cloud by rotating the sensor array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional TOF scanner uses a beam of light with a single photosensor, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the measurement accuracy and response speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light beam into multiple discrete dots arranged in a pattern, with each dot independently measurable by corresponding pixels in the 2D array. This segmentation allows parallel measurement of multiple points simultaneously, improving accuracy and speed while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 1D line scanning to 2D pattern projection, using a two-dimensional array of pixels to capture reflected light dots. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous measurement of multiple spatial coordinates, significantly improving measurement accuracy and capturing speed without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Productivity
If arrays of photosensors are used to improve measurement speed, then data capture rate increases, but accuracy decreases due to limited optical bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific functional characteristics to different regions of the 2D pixel array, with each pixel or pixel group optimized for detecting light dots at specific spatial locations. This local optimization ensures that each sensor element operates at its optimal performance point, maintaining high accuracy while achieving high data capture rates through parallel processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-calculates and pre-arranges the pattern of light dots and their corresponding pixel assignments before measurement begins. This preliminary configuration establishes optimal mapping relationships between projected dots and sensor pixels, enabling fast and accurate measurements without requiring complex real-time processing that would compromise precision
3Measurement precision
If light is concentrated into structured patterns, then measurement accuracy and distance increase, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal 2D pixel array that can detect multiple light dots simultaneously, making the system capable of measuring multiple points in parallel. This multi-functional capability allows the same hardware to achieve high accuracy and long distance measurement without requiring multiple separate sensors or complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified 2D pixel array that copies and replicates the detection function across multiple points. Instead of using multiple complex sensors, the system creates multiple simplified detection elements arranged in a grid, each capable of independently measuring light intensity and position, thereby reducing overall system complexity 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 system provides a low-cost, high-accuracy method for measuring 3D coordinates with improved performance by concentrating light into structured patterns, enabling higher accuracy, longer distances, and faster data capture rates.
Implementation Method 1
A two-dimensional array of pixels is coupled to the body and configured to receive a reflection of the pattern of light
Implementation Method 2
A controller is electrically coupled to the light source and the two dimensional array of pixels, the controller configured to determine a distance to at least one surface in the environment based at least in part on a reflection of the pattern of light from a surface in the environment and a speed of light in air
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring 3D coordinates of surfaces in the environment is provided. The system includes a body configured to rotate about an axis. A light source is configured to emit a pattern of light, the pattern of light. A two-dimensional array of pixels is coupled to the body and configured to receive a reflection of the pattern of light. A controller is electrically coupled to the light source and the two dimensional array of pixels, the controller configured to a determine a distance to at least one surface in the environment based at least in part on a reflection of the pattern of light from a surface in the environment and a speed of light in air.