3D Surface Scanning Using Unmanned Air Vehicle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D measurement systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately measuring large objects, especially in hostile environments, due to limited mobility and accessibility, and require manual operation which introduces measurement errors and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A measuring system utilizing an unmanned, controllable automotive air vehicle equipped with an optical scanning device that uses the triangulation principle for point-by-point measurement, combined with a referencing arrangement for accurate positioning and orientation, allowing the air vehicle to hover and move automatically along a defined flight path for precise surface scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tactile measurement systems with movable measuring tips are used for large objects, then measurement precision can be maintained, but measuring time increases significantly and accessibility to all surfaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tactile measurement system with an optical measurement system. The optical sensor captures 3D coordinates of surface points through non-contact optical fields, eliminating the need for physical contact and mechanical movement of measuring tips. This substitution enables rapid scanning of large surfaces while maintaining measurement precision through optical triangulation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-by-point measurement in one dimension to simultaneous multi-point measurement across two or three dimensions. The optical sensor captures multiple surface coordinates simultaneously in a volumetric space, transforming the measurement process from sequential 1D scanning to parallel 2D/3D imaging, thereby dramatically reducing measuring time for large objects.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation of measuring systems is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement errors increase and safety concerns arise in hostile environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated measurement systems where the optical sensor and control unit operate independently without human intervention. The system automatically captures surface data, processes coordinates, and generates measurement results. This self-service capability eliminates manual operation errors while maintaining ease of use through automated workflows, and enables safe operation in hostile environments where human presence is avoided.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the measurement system continuously monitors surface points and adjusts its scanning pattern based on detected features and measurement progress. This closed-loop control ensures high measurement reliability by automatically correcting deviations and verifying data quality, while maintaining operational simplicity through intelligent automation.
3Loss of time
If optical scanning systems are used for contactless measurement, then measuring time is reduced, but accessibility to all object surfaces remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically positionable optical sensor that can move to different locations and orientations to capture surfaces previously inaccessible to fixed measurement systems. The sensor's dynamic positioning capability, combined with coordinate transformation algorithms, enables comprehensive surface scanning including hard-to-reach areas, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining the speed advantages of optical measurement.
4Productivity
If automated control of air vehicle is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the air vehicle platform, combining optical sensing, positioning, navigation, and data processing in a single multi-functional system. The air vehicle serves simultaneously as a mobile platform, sensor carrier, and computing unit, reducing the need for separate specialized devices while achieving high productivity through automated operation.
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 rapid, precise, and automated 3D surface measurement of large objects in challenging environments with reduced human intervention, improving measurement accuracy and safety while increasing accessibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical scanning device based on the triangulation principle, in particular for point by point optical measurement of measurement points of an object surface
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring system for determining 3D coordinates of measurement points on an object surface which has a scanning apparatus for measuring the measurement points on the object surface and for determining inner measurement point coordinates in an inner scanning coordinate system. Furthermore, a referencing arrangement for producing referencing information for referencing the inner measurement point coordinates in the outer object coordinate system and an evaluation unit for determining the 3D coordinates of the measurement points in the outer object coordinate system on the basis of the inner measurement point coordinates and the referencing information are provided such that the inner measurement point coordinates are in the form of 3D coordinates in the outer object coordinate system. The scanning apparatus is in this case carried in an unmanned, controllable, automotive air vehicle.