Underwater Laser Scanner Assembly for 3D Point Cloud Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underwater laser scanners are limited to generating two-dimensional data and require recalibration when moved between vehicles, making them time-consuming and costly for obtaining precise three-dimensional information about submerged surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanner assembly that includes a housing with a light-generating subassembly and optical sensors, configured to produce a fan-shaped laser light beam, which is movable relative to the submerged surface, allowing for three-dimensional data generation using triangulation based on baseline and angle measurements, eliminating the need for recalibration when transferred between vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional underwater laser scanners are used to obtain precise three-dimensional information about submerged surfaces, then measurement precision is improved, but the device requires repeated recalibration when moved between vehicles, increasing loss of time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a calibration system that remains stationary and defines a reference coordinate system, and a laser scanner assembly that can be moved between vehicles. The calibration system includes a calibration target with known geometry that establishes the reference frame without needing to be attached to the vehicle. This segmentation allows the scanner to be calibrated once against the stationary reference and then freely moved without recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
A stationary calibration system acts as an intermediary between the laser scanner and the vehicle. The calibration system includes a calibration target with known three-dimensional geometry that serves as a reference medium. The laser scanner measures features on this calibration target to determine its pose in the reference coordinate system, establishing accurate spatial relationships without requiring the calibration equipment to be mounted on or moved with the vehicle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional underwater laser scanners are moved between different vehicles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for repeated calibration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is separated from the vehicle platform, creating an independent reference system. The calibration target with known geometry remains stationary while the laser scanner assembly can be attached to any vehicle. This segmentation eliminates the need to adapt the calibration procedure to different vehicles, reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary calibration system serves as a universal reference for any laser scanner assembly mounted on any vehicle. The calibration target with known three-dimensional features provides a consistent reference frame that works with different scanners and vehicles, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific calibration procedures and reducing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If conventional laser scanners remain stationary to obtain two-dimensional point clouds, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement capability is limited and cannot generate three-dimensional data
Solution Approach 1:
The laser scanner assembly is made dynamic by enabling it to move relative to the stationary calibration system. The scanner can be positioned at multiple locations and orientations around the calibration target, allowing it to capture data from multiple viewpoints. This dynamic positioning capability enables three-dimensional reconstruction of submerged surfaces while keeping the calibration system simple and stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional scanning to three-dimensional measurement by adding the dimension of scanner movement. The laser scanner can be positioned at different locations and angles relative to the calibration target, capturing point clouds from multiple perspectives. These multi-viewpoint measurements are combined to generate complete three-dimensional data of submerged surfaces.
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 the generation of accurate three-dimensional point clouds of submerged surfaces without the need for repeated calibration, reducing mobilization time and costs while providing precise data for analyzing features like cracks.
Implementation Method 1
a light-generating subassembly positioned in the cavity including a laser source for generating laser light
Implementation Method 2
Each illuminated point is respectively detectable through the window element by the optical sensor, each illuminated point and the optical sensor defining a reflection path therebetween respectively
Implementation Method 3
means for determining the data for locating each illuminated point respectively utilizable for generating the three-dimensional cloud of data by using the baseline distance and the first and second angles for each illuminated point respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanner assembly for obtaining data to generate one or more three-dimensional clouds of data describing one or more submerged surfaces. The laser scanner assembly includes a housing subassembly with one or more body elements defining one or more cavities therein and comprising at least one window element therein at least partially defining the cavity, a light-generating subassembly positioned in the cavity having a laser source for generating laser light and a means for configuring the laser light into a fan configuration, and one or more optical sensors positioned in the cavity. The laser scanner assembly also includes means for moving the light-generating subassembly relative to the submerged surface, for illuminating illuminated points respectively, and means for determining the data for locating each illuminated point respectively utilizable for generating the three-dimensional cloud of data by using a baseline distance and first and second angles for each illuminated point respectively.