Time of Flight 3D Scanner Using Rotation Sensor Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current object scanners are large, expensive, and cumbersome, limiting their portability and practicality for hand-held three-dimensional scanning of objects or environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a time-of-flight distance sensor combined with a rotation sensor, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope, to generate a 3D model by correlating distance data with rotation information, allowing for hand-held scanning with a mobile device, and enabling data processing to create a 3D representation of objects or environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large structures with arrays of cameras are used to scan objects, then scanning accuracy and completeness are improved, but device size, cost, and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential scanning function from complex camera arrays and enclosures, reducing it to a single time-of-flight sensor combined with rotation sensing. This extraction maintains measurement capability while eliminating unnecessary structural complexity, allowing the scanning system to be integrated into hand-held devices rather than requiring large fixed installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical camera arrays with optical time-of-flight sensing combined with inertial measurement unit (IMU) data. Instead of using multiple physical cameras to capture spatial information, the system uses light propagation time measurements correlated with device orientation data, substituting a mechanical imaging system with a more compact optical-sensing approach.
2Measurement precision
If large structures with arrays of cameras are used to scan objects, then scanning accuracy and completeness are improved, but device cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core depth-sensing capability from expensive camera arrays, isolating it to a single time-of-flight sensor. This extraction dramatically reduces component costs while maintaining the essential function of capturing spatial information, making 3D scanning accessible in consumer devices rather than requiring specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs commercially available, mass-produced components (time-of-flight sensors and IMUs) that can be manufactured at low cost through standard semiconductor fabrication processes. These consumer-grade components replace expensive, custom-built camera systems, enabling cost-effective production of scanning devices.
3Measurement precision
If fixed camera arrays are used in enclosed structures, then comprehensive object scanning is achieved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static, fixed camera arrays to a dynamic, mobile scanning system. The time-of-flight sensor combined with rotation sensing enables the device to actively move and scan objects from multiple positions and angles, allowing comprehensive coverage through motion rather than requiring a fixed enclosing structure with multiple cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal scanning device that can scan any object or environment by moving the device itself, rather than requiring the object to be placed in a fixed scanner. This multi-functional approach allows the same hand-held device to scan diverse targets (objects, rooms, landscapes) without requiring different specialized equipment.
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 portable, cost-effective, and efficient three-dimensional scanning of objects or environments, improving accessibility and accuracy through the use of a hand-held device that integrates a ranging sensor and rotation sensor for data correlation and processing.
Implementation Method 1
A method and system for scanning an object or environment with a time of flight sensor and a rotation sensor
Implementation Method 2
The device includes a time-of-flight distance sensor with a rotation sensor, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope in one embodiment
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a method and system for scanning an object or environment with a ranging sensor. The method involves rotating a ranging sensor around a rotation reference point and associating the distances measured with the ranging sensor with rotation measurements from a rotation sensor fixed to the ranging sensor. The associated data is used to populate a data plot or data table to be used to generate three-dimensional models.