ToF Camera Arrangement for 360 Spatial Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reality capture devices are cumbersome, error-prone, and time-consuming for mobile applications due to their complex setup, limited field of view, and high maintenance requirements, especially when used for indoor spatial mapping with short-range measurements.
Innovation Solution
A mobile reality capture device equipped with a ToF camera arrangement comprising multiple ToF cameras arranged around a central axis to provide a 360° hemispherical field of view, combined with 2D cameras and a localization unit for continuous data capture and SLAM functionality, reducing the need for moving parts and enhancing data acquisition rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laser scanners are used for 3D spatial mapping, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical laser scanning systems with a ToF camera-based optical measurement system. The ToF camera uses light time-of-flight measurement instead of mechanical scanning components, eliminating moving parts while maintaining measurement capability. This substitution reduces device complexity and maintenance requirements while preserving 3D spatial mapping precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter from traditional laser range scanning to time-of-flight optical measurement. By using ToF cameras that measure the time for light to travel to and from objects, the system achieves accurate 3D mapping without mechanical components, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If traditional laser scanners with limited field of view are used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming capture processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional laser line scanning to three-dimensional volumetric light field capture using multiple ToF cameras arranged in different spatial orientations. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous capture of entire scenes from multiple perspectives, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining precision through multi-view geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the measurement task across multiple ToF cameras positioned at different locations and orientations. Each camera captures a specific portion of the environment, and the system integrates these segmented views into a complete 3D model. This segmentation enables parallel data acquisition, improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision through coordinated multi-camera operation.
3Ease of operation
If mobile reality capture devices are used for indoor applications, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to more moving parts and higher maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with solid-state ToF camera arrays, eliminating moving parts that require maintenance. The fixed camera mounts with no mechanical components significantly improve reliability while maintaining mobile ease of operation. The system achieves robustness through purely optical and electronic components rather than mechanical mechanisms.
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
The device enables faster and more efficient capture of 3D point-cloud data and 2D image data in a 360° field of view, improving usability and reducing maintenance needs, while supporting simultaneous localization and mapping for accurate spatial mapping.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile reality capture device equipped with a ToF camera arrangement comprising multiple ToF cameras arranged around a central axis
Implementation Method 2
laser scanner emitting a laser measurement beam, e.g. using pulsed electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A reality capture device configured to perform a measuring process for generating a digital representation of an environment comprising a body defining a first axis, and an imaging unit with one or more 2D cameras configured to provide 2D image data of the environment. The device comprises a ToF camera arrangement configured for capturing 3D point-cloud data of the environment and comprising at least two time-of-flight cameras, wherein each time-of-flight camera comprises a sensor array and one or more laser emitters, the sensor array of each of the time-of-flight cameras having an optical axis and being configured to receive reflections of light pulses emitted by the one or more laser emitters of the respective time-of-flight camera, the time-of-flight cameras being arranged around the first axis so that each sensor array has one or two other sensor arrays as a neighbouring sensor array.