3D Laser Scanner With Rotating Modules For Compact Wide-Angle Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D laser scanning systems using multiple laser diodes face challenges such as increased volume and cost, difficulty in precise calibration, and reduced vertical resolution for long-distance data, which limits their application in high-speed vehicles and agricultural machines.
Innovation Solution
A 3D scanning system that emits line-shaped pulsed laser light with horizontally rotating light transmitting and receiving modules, featuring different emission angles for each module, allowing for wide-angle short-distance and high-resolution long-distance data collection without increasing laser output, and utilizing a compact design with a separate laser source and cooling unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser diodes are arranged at different angles to obtain wide field of view data, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the device volume and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser diodes into a single integrated housing unit with a common rotary mechanism. Multiple photo detectors are arranged in the same housing and rotated together as one unit, merging what would otherwise be separate systems into a single compact device that maintains wide field of view coverage while reducing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The single rotary housing unit performs multiple functions by rotating to different angular positions. The same mechanical structure enables the system to capture data across multiple angles and distances, making the housing universal for both wide-angle short-distance detection and narrow-angle long-distance detection without requiring separate dedicated structures.
2Reliability
If laser output power is increased to obtain long-distance data, then the detection distance is improved, but the device volume and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different detection strategies for different distance ranges. For long-distance detection, the system uses a narrow emission angle configuration that concentrates the laser energy in a specific direction, achieving reliable long-range data without increasing overall output power. For short-distance detection, a wider angle is used. This local optimization of detection parameters eliminates the need for high-power lasers while maintaining long-distance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the emission angle parameter based on detection distance requirements. By adjusting the angular configuration rather than increasing power, the system achieves reliable long-distance detection. The same laser source operates at different angular parameters for different ranges, avoiding the need for high-output laser components that would increase device volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser diodes are individually installed at different angles, then the field of view is expanded, but the calibration precision becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
By housing multiple laser diodes and photo detectors in a single integrated structure that rotates together, the patent eliminates the need for individual calibration of separately mounted components. The unified mechanical assembly ensures consistent relative positioning, and the rotary mechanism provides a common reference frame, greatly simplifying the calibration process while maintaining multi-angular coverage capability.
4Device complexity
If both laser source and light transmitting/receiving unit are installed and rotated together, then the system structure is simplified, but the motor capacity and system volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser source, light transmitting unit, and light receiving unit into a single integrated housing that rotates as one unit. This consolidation simplifies the overall system structure by eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and multiple rotation mechanisms, while the compact housing design keeps the total volume manageable despite including all components.
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 system achieves high scanning speed, compact size, and reliable point cloud data with excellent vertical resolution at both short and long distances using the same laser output, reducing manufacturing costs and system volume.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source for generating a pulsed laser light
Implementation Method 2
detecting a light reflected from a target
Implementation Method 3
a photo detector that detects the reflected pulsed laser light and converts it into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 4
a motor rotating one or more light transmitting and receiving modules
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a 3D laser scanning system and a method of obtaining a 3D image by using the system that detect, with a linear array type photo detector, a reflected light reflected from a target after rotation-emitting a line-shaped pulsed laser light through 360 degrees and obtain a 3D image through point cloud data obtained by measuring a distance to the target.