UAV LiDAR Profiler for 3D Scanning Without Travel Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical profilers are impractical for surveying environments without a defined travel path, such as unsealed ground or vertical surfaces, limiting their applicability in areas like canyons and building walls.
Innovation Solution
A Flying Sensor system comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a lightweight profiler equipped with LiDAR, visual sensors, and a SLAM algorithm to generate 3D point clouds, allowing for scanning in complex environments by integrating LiDAR data with visual data and pose information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a profiler is mounted on a vehicle for linear scanning, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to environments without defined travel paths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vehicle-based scanning system with an aerial platform that uses optical-mechanical scanning. The profiler is mounted on an aircraft instead of a ground vehicle, substituting the mechanical constraint of linear track-based movement with aerial mobility, enabling operation in environments without defined travel paths while maintaining measurement precision through controlled scanning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic scanning capabilities where the measuring beam can be deflected in multiple directions (azimuth and elevation angles) during aerial movement. The scanning unit can dynamically adjust beam direction and the aircraft can change flight parameters, creating a flexible measurement system that adapts to complex three-dimensional surfaces without requiring fixed linear paths.
2Device complexity
If a profiler uses a fixed scanning mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to complex surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic scanning mechanism with deflectors that can change beam direction in azimuth and elevation. The scanning unit can dynamically adjust its scanning pattern to match complex surface geometries, and the aircraft flight path can be adapted during missions, providing high versatility without requiring overly complex fixed mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can handle diverse surface types (flat, curved, vertical, overhead) through a single integrated platform. The combination of aerial mobility and multi-axis scanning capability allows one device to perform multiple surveying functions across different environments, from ground surfaces to building facades and canyon walls.
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 efficient 3D scanning in environments without a defined travel path by providing high-resolution 3D point clouds with textured surfaces, enhancing surveying capabilities in challenging terrains.
Implementation Method 1
a scanning unit configured for providing Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) data
Implementation Method 2
a first receiver configured for receiving a first reception beam reflected from the setting via the deflector
Implementation Method 3
the pose sensor comprising an Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU)
Implementation Method 4
the pose sensor comprising an Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU) and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a Flying Sensor comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and at least one profiler being mounted on the UAV, wherein the at least one profiler comprises a base, a scanning unit configured for providing Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) data, the scanning unit mounted on the base and comprising a shaft carrying a deflector, the shaft being mounted in the scanning unit and rotatable about a rotation axis, a first transmitter configured for transmitting a first transmission beam via the deflector towards a setting, a first receiver configured for receiving a first reception beam reflected from the setting via the deflector, and an electric port configured for connecting the profiler to the UAV, said electric port comprising a data interface and a power interface, and wherein the UAV comprises a visual sensor for providing visual data, the visual sensor comprising one or more cameras, a pose sensor for providing pose data, the pose sensor comprising an Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU) and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensor or a Pseudo GNSS sensor, a computer configured to compute a 3D point cloud (P) of the setting based on the LiDar data and a Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) algorithm using the visual data and the pose data.