Scanner Beam Deflection Unit Camera Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveying apparatuses face challenges with complex and costly optical constructions due to shared optical paths for measurement and camera radiation, leading to impaired data acquisition, requiring complex algorithms for real-time image correction and calibration, and limiting on-site calibration capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A surveying apparatus with a measuring camera integrated into the beam deflection unit, allowing its field of view to align coaxially or with a lateral offset in the same direction as the measurement radiation, enabling real-time recordings and simplified calibration through concomitant rotation with the beam deflection unit, reducing unbalance and optical complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common optical path is used for measurement radiation and camera radiation, then the optical construction is simplified, but the optical paths are impaired by constituents of camera optics or measurement radiation components
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is segmented into separate channels: a first optical path for measurement radiation with measurement optics, and a second optical path for camera radiation with camera optics. This segmentation prevents interference between the two optical paths while maintaining independent optimization of each path, resolving the contradiction between simplified construction and reliable data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera radiation path is extracted from the measurement radiation path by providing separate optical paths. The camera optics and measurement optics are spatially separated, allowing each optical path to be optimized independently without mutual interference, thus eliminating the impairment caused by shared optical path constituents.
2Measurement precision
If an on-axis measuring camera is used with beam deflection, then the field of view can be aligned coaxially with the measurement beam, but the captured images require computational correction for rotations and real-time representation cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the camera to follow the measurement beam (which causes image rotation requiring computational correction), the invention inverts the approach by keeping the camera axis fixed and using a beam splitter to direct both measurement radiation and camera radiation along their respective paths. This eliminates the need for computational rotation correction and enables real-time representation.
Solution Approach 2:
A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary optical element that separates the measurement radiation and camera radiation paths. The beam splitter allows the measurement beam to pass through to the detector while simultaneously directing a portion of the radiation to the camera, enabling both functions without mechanical rotation or computational correction.
3Measurement precision
If the camera is arranged alongside the radiation source and detector in the housing, then the optical path can be aligned, but the construction becomes complicated and expensive requiring coupling-out of defined light components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the measurement optics and camera optics into a unified optical system using a beam splitter. Instead of arranging the camera alongside the radiation source and detector with separate alignment requirements, the beam splitter combines both optical paths into a single housing configuration, simplifying the overall construction while maintaining precise optical alignment for both functions.
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 configuration allows for simpler, cost-effective construction, real-time data acquisition, and flexible on-site calibration, reducing computational complexity and susceptibility to faults, enabling accurate spatial coordinate determination and image processing with reduced computing power.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source (6) for generating measurement radiation (13)
Implementation Method 2
a beam deflection unit (10) mounted in the housing (5) rotatably about a rotation axis (11) and serving for the adjustable, directional emission of the measurement radiation (13) into the environment and for capturing the reflection radiation (17) from the environment (15)
Implementation Method 3
the distance between a surface point situated in the spatial volume and the measuring apparatus can be determined by triangulation and/or time-of-flight measurement or phase shift
Implementation Method 4
the distance between a surface point situated in the spatial volume and the measuring apparatus can be determined by triangulation and/or time-of-flight measurement or phase shift
Implementation Method 5
a measuring camera (80) for capturing photographic images of the environment to be scanned or the scanned environment
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention relate to a surveying apparatus in the form of a scanner comprising a beam deflection unit, such a beam deflection unit and a measuring method to be carried out with said surveying apparatus. The surveying apparatus comprises a radiation source for generating measurement radiation and a detector for receiving reflected measurement radiation, called reflection radiation for short, which was reflected at an object of interest, wherein measurement radiation and reflection radiation have substantially the same optical path. Situated in said optical path there is a beam deflection unit mounted rotatably about a rotation axis and serving for adjustably aligning the measurement radiation and for capturing the reflected radiation.