UAV Laser Scanner Synchronization for Ground Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV measuring systems using laser scanners or cameras face challenges in achieving high accuracy and efficiency, particularly in aligning scan data and determining ground surface shapes, due to the complexity of operations and the need for expensive IMUs and skilled personnel.
Innovation Solution
A UAV measuring apparatus with a laser scanner and image pickup unit, synchronized by a control arithmetic component, performs two-dimensional scanning and image acquisition, correcting tilt angles and integrating scanning loci to produce detailed three-dimensional maps, while a total station converts measurements into ground coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser scanner with IMU is used for ground surface measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to expensive IMU requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex IMU system from the measurement setup and replaces it with a simplified approach using a smartphone camera and laser scanner. The smartphone's built-in sensors are sufficient for basic orientation data, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated IMUs while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a smartphone camera, which is a common, inexpensive device, instead of specialized expensive imaging equipment. This substitution reduces cost significantly while the smartphone's processing power and sensors are adequate for the measurement task when combined with the laser scanner data.
2Loss of information
If photogrammetry with camera overlap is used, then three-dimensional data is acquired, but operational complexity increases requiring skilled personnel for orienting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges laser scanner data with smartphone camera images, combining the precise distance measurements from the laser scanner with the visual information from the camera. This integration simplifies the orienting operation because the laser scanner provides accurate spatial coordinates that directly correspond to image features, eliminating complex manual orienting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical orienting process with automated computational methods. Software algorithms automatically match laser scanner points with image features and perform the orientation calculations, substituting skilled manual operations with automated processing that requires no specialized expertise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both laser scanner and camera are mounted on UAV, then measurement capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases without large synergetic effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the smartphone camera serve multiple functions: it acts as both the imaging device for visual documentation and provides orientation data through its built-in sensors. The laser scanner simultaneously performs distance measurement and spatial mapping. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated devices for each function.
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 acquisition of three-dimensional data with improved accuracy and reduced operational complexity, enhancing the efficiency of ground surface measurement and mapping processes.
Implementation Method 1
a laser scanner mounted on the flying vehicle and for performing two-dimensional scanning with a reference optical axis extending in an approximately vertically downward direction as the center
Implementation Method 2
an image pickup unit having an image pickup optical axis parallel to the reference optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a UAV measuring apparatus, which comprises a flying vehicle, a laser scanner mounted on the flying vehicle and for performing two-dimensional scanning with a reference optical axis extending in an approximately vertically downward direction as the center, an image pickup unit having an image pickup optical axis parallel to the reference optical axis and a control arithmetic component, wherein the control arithmetic component is configured to synchronize the two-dimensional scanning performed by the laser scanner with an image pickup performed by the image pickup unit, and to correspond a scanning locus obtained by the two-dimensional scanning with an acquired image.