Rotating Laser Scanner for Immersed Object 3D Modeling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laser scanning of objects immersed in fluid faces significant distortions due to refraction across air-fluid boundaries, which complicates the creation of accurate 3D models, especially when rotating the object is undesirable, such as with anatomical parts.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a rotating mount with fixed camera and laser projectors within a cylindrical transparent tank, employing either ray tracing or image warping to correct for refraction, allowing for precise 3D modeling of objects immersed in fluid without the need for object rotation, combined with microwave imaging for enhanced accuracy and specificity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the object is rotated during laser scanning, then the scanning process is simplified and can be performed with stationary laser and camera, but the object cannot be rotated when it is an anatomical part such as breast or limb
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the object, the patent inverts the approach by rotating the laser scanner and camera assembly around the stationary object. This allows anatomical parts that cannot be rotated to be scanned effectively, while maintaining the simplicity of the scanning process through automated rotation of the imaging system.
2Device complexity
If laser scanning is performed through air only, then the optical path is simple with single medium, but accurate imaging of objects immersed in fluid cannot be achieved due to refraction distortions at air-fluid boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary refractive index correction system that accounts for the fluid medium between the laser/camera and the object. By measuring and compensating for the refraction effects at the air-fluid boundaries, the system achieves accurate surface mapping of immersed objects without requiring direct contact or removing the object from the fluid.
3Device complexity
If a single laser and camera are used for scanning, then the device is simple, but substantial distortion occurs when imaging objects in cylindrical containers of fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical correction systems with computational methods. Instead of using multiple physical lasers and cameras to physically compensate for refraction, the system uses a single laser-camera pair combined with ray tracing algorithms and image warping functions that computationally correct the refraction distortions, achieving high precision with minimal hardware.
4Measurement precision
If ray tracing or image warping is used to correct refraction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration and characterization of the optical path and refraction effects before actual scanning. By pre-determining the refraction correction parameters and storing them for later use, the system reduces the computational burden during real-time scanning while maintaining high measurement precision, thus balancing accuracy with processing efficiency.
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 effectively generates accurate 3D models of objects immersed in fluid, reducing distortion and improving imaging accuracy, particularly suited for anatomical imaging like breast cancer detection, by using two laser lines and image processing techniques to correct for refraction and model dielectric properties.
Implementation Method 1
light crossing boundaries of air to container, air to fluid, or container to fluid, is subject to refraction at those boundaries
Implementation Method 2
a rotating mount aligned to rotate around a central axis of the cylindrical transparent tank
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods generate a 3D model of a surface of an object immersed in a transparent liquid within a stationary cylindrical transparent tank. First and second laser line projectors and a camera are rotated around a central axis of the cylindrical tank. The first and second laser line projectors each generate a laser line perpendicular to a plane or rotation and aligned with the center of rotation. The camera images the object. An image from the camera is captured at each of several angular positions of the camera relative to a reference position of the stationary cylindrical tank. The captured images are processed to determine, for each laser line within each image, a plurality of 3D positions where the laser line is incident upon a surface of the object. In embodiments, images are corrected with ray tracing or image warping and registration functions.