Scanner Range Setting via Surveying Instrument Data Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual setting of the scanning range in laser scanners is difficult and can lead to mismatches in three-dimensional data, requiring accurate coordinate data from surveying instruments for precise three-dimensional modeling.

Innovation Solution

A method using a surveying instrument to measure distances and angles to multiple points, with a scanner automatically setting and scanning a range that includes these points, ensuring coordinate systems match, and optionally merging data and displaying the range on a landscape image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual setting of scanning range is performed by measurement operator, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but setting accuracy deteriorates and mismatches occur in three-dimensional data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual setting flexibilityVSAvoidscanning range setting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between manual observation and scanner control. The system captures images with a camera, processes them to detect feature points, and automatically determines scanning ranges based on these detected points. This intermediary processing layer eliminates direct manual setting errors while preserving the ability to adapt to different measurement scenarios through automated image analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If automated scanning range setting is implemented, then setting accuracy improves, but system complexity increases due to additional processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning range setting accuracyVSAvoidautomated processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified system: the camera serves both as a documentation tool and as a measurement tool for detecting feature points; the image processing unit performs both image capture and automated scanning range determination; the system handles both manual and automated modes through a single integrated controller. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If scanning range is manually set using peep sight or camera display, then device simplicity is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting method simplicityVSAvoidscanning range setting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically capturing images, detecting feature points, calculating optimal scanning ranges, and setting scanner parameters without requiring manual intervention. The automated controller independently completes the entire scanning range setting process, eliminating the time-consuming manual adjustment steps while maintaining system simplicity through integrated automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If coordinate data from surveying instrument is integrated with scanner data, then three-dimensional model accuracy improves, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional model accuracyVSAvoiddata integration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges coordinate data from surveying instruments with three-dimensional point cloud data from the scanner into a unified coordinate system. The system integrates these different data sources by transforming them into compatible formats and combining them seamlessly, achieving high-accuracy three-dimensional models through data fusion rather than through complex separate processing of each data type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables easy and accurate setting of the scanning range, ensuring accurate three-dimensional data acquisition and model creation by automating the process and integrating surveying instrument data with scanner data.

Implementation Method 1

a surveying instrument configured to measure a distance to a measurement point by using a distance measuring light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection and time of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

a scanner configured to scan a scanning light around a rotation axis to acquire three-dimensional point group data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser scanning: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3462131B1Scanning range setting method and survey system for the method
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP3462131B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3462131B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3462131B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a scanning range setting method to enable easy and preferable setting of a scanning range, and a survey system for the method. A scanning range setting method uses a surveying instrument (2) configured to measure a distance to a measurement point by using a distance measuring light and measure an angle to the measurement point, and a scanner (22) configured to scan with a scanning light around a rotation axis to acquire three-dimensional point group data, and includes steps of: (A) measuring a distance to one or more measurement points by the surveying instrument (2), (B) storing coordinates and angles of the measurement points, (C) automatically setting an area (42) including all of the measurement points as a scanning range (40) by the scanner (22), and (D) scanning the scanning range by the scanner, wherein a coordinate system of the scanner and a coordinate system of the surveying instrument match each other.