3D Scanner Gyroscope Positioning Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D scanners are complex and costly, making it difficult to precisely scan complicated surfaces or large portions of small objects, as they require multiple scans from different angles or manual repositioning, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A 3D scanner with a movable spherical positioning device equipped with a gyroscope sensor that allows for rotation around three axes, enabling precise scanning of objects from various angles without moving the scanning module, and a processing unit that correlates data to calculate comprehensive 3D coordinates, reducing the need for multiple scans and simplifying the setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a structured-light projector with spectral decomposition is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the positioning function from the scanning module and places it on the object side through a positioning device with gyroscope sensors. This separates the complex measurement system from the simple positioning system, allowing high precision measurement without requiring the entire device to be complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the scanning module around the object as in conventional systems, this patent inverts the approach by keeping the scanning module stationary and moving the object on a positioning device. This simplifies the scanning system while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple scanning modules or manual repositioning is used to scan large portions of objects, then completeness of scanning is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of scanningVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic positioning device with three-axis rotation capability that allows the object to be positioned at various angles dynamically. This single dynamic positioning device replaces the need for multiple static scanning modules or manual repositioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device serves multiple functions: it holds the object, positions it at different angles, and provides orientation data through gyroscope sensors. This multi-functional device eliminates the need for separate positioning and scanning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the scanning module is moved around the object to scan complicated surfaces, then completeness of scanning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of scanningVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by keeping the scanning module stationary and moving the object instead. This eliminates the mechanical complexity of moving the scanning module while achieving the same scanning completeness through object repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device acts as an intermediary between the stationary scanning module and the object. It provides the necessary movement and positioning capabilities without requiring the scanning module itself to be mechanically complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution allows for detailed scanning of complex surfaces and large portions of small objects with ease, reducing the complexity and cost of the scanning process while providing precise 3D coordinates, and is particularly useful for scanning dental structures.

Implementation Method 1

at least one gyroscope sensor, which is configured to measure a change of the position of the positioning device relative to the scanning module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentEP3367053B13D scanner with gyroscope sensor

Publication Date: 2021.02.17 HERAEUS KULZER GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a 3D scanner comprising at least one scanning module (2, 7) for acquiring three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of a surface of an object (9) and a positioning device (1) on which the object (9) is placeable or fixable, whereby the positioning device (1) is movable relative to the at least one scanning module (2, 7), and the 3D scanner further comprising at least one gyroscope sensor, which is configured to measure a change of the position of the positioning device (1) relative to the scanning module (2, 7), and a first processing unit which is connected to the at least one scanning module (2, 7) and to the positioning device (1) for receiving data. The invention also relates to a method for scanning a surface of an object (9) to acquire three dimensional (3D) coordinates of the surface.