3D Scanner Adaptive Region Detection for Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional scanners are hindered by the time-consuming process of calculating the acceptance angle of a light beam, which slows down the measurement of a three-dimensional shape due to the need to scan all pixels of a captured image.
Innovation Solution
The three-dimensional scanner employs a method where it selectively reads out information from a narrower scanning region, using the detected laser position in previous images to determine the scanning region for subsequent images, allowing for sub-pixel accuracy and reducing the number of pixels to be scanned, thereby accelerating the measurement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all pixels of the captured image are scanned to detect the light beam position, then the measurement completeness is improved, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting the light beam position in the current image based on positions from previous images. The prediction unit uses historical position data to estimate where the light beam will appear, allowing the system to focus scanning only on and around this predicted region rather than scanning all pixels, thus reducing measurement time while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating scanning resources on a specific region of interest around the predicted light beam position rather than uniformly scanning the entire image. The scanning unit reads pixel information only from this localized area, optimizing the distribution of measurement effort where it is most needed while ignoring regions where the light beam is unlikely to appear
2Productivity
If a narrow scanning region is used to reduce reading time, then the measurement speed is improved, but the risk of false detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously using the detected light beam position from each image to refine and adjust the predicted position for the next image. This feedback loop allows the scanning region to track the light beam accurately while maintaining appropriate size to prevent false detections, balancing speed and reliability through adaptive region adjustment based on actual measurement results
Solution Approach 2:
By predicting the light beam position beforehand based on previous measurements, the system prepares the optimal scanning region in advance. This preliminary positioning ensures the scanning region is neither too narrow (which would cause false negatives) nor too wide (which would waste time), but precisely sized to capture the light beam while maintaining high measurement speed
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 approach significantly shortens the time required to read out pixel information and detect the laser position, leading to a faster three-dimensional shape measurement process and reducing false detection of ambient light as the laser.
Implementation Method 1
emits a slit-shaped light beam to a measuring object while changing an irradiation position with respect to the measuring object
Implementation Method 2
sequentially captures images of the measuring object irradiated with the light beam by a camera
Implementation Method 3
detects the position of the light beam in an image by reading out image information on the captured image from photodetectors of the camera
Implementation Method 4
measures the three-dimensional shape of the measuring object by calculating the height of each portion of the measuring object by the principle of triangulation using an irradiation angle and an acceptance angle of the light beam and the distance from a light source of the light beam to the camera
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
A three-dimensional scanner (1) according to one aspect of the embodiments includes an irradiation unit (2), an imaging unit (3), a position detecting unit (42), and a scanning-region determining unit (43). The irradiation unit (2) emits a slit-shaped light beam while changing an irradiation position with respect to a measuring object. The imaging unit (3) sequentially captures images of the measuring object irradiated with the light beam. The position detecting unit (42) detects a position of the light beam in an image captured by the imaging unit (3) by scanning the image. The scanning-region determining unit (43) determines a scanning region in an image as a scanning target by the position detecting unit (42) based on a position of the light beam in an image captured by the imaging unit (3) before the image as a scanning target.