Method and apparatus for generating structural data from laser reflectance images
AssigneeQuantapoint, Inc.
InventorsEric Hoffman, Fred M. Persi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for generating structural data of a structure. The apparatus includes a scanning laser range finder that produces reflectance data of the structure. The apparatus includes a memory which stores the reflectance data. The apparatus includes means for determining desired spatial relationships of the structure from the reflectance data. A method for generating structural data of a structure. The method includes the steps of producing reflectance data of the structure with a scanning laser range finder. There is the step of storing the reflectance data in a memory. There is the step of determining desired spatial relationships of the structure from the reflectance data.
Claims15
An apparatus for generating structural data of a structure comprising:
- a scanning laser range finder which provides up to 125,000 discrete data points every second that produces reflectance data of the structure;
- a memory which stores the reflectance data;
- and
- means for determining desired spatial relationships of the structure from the reflectance data.
A method for generating structural data of a structure comprising the steps of:
- loading a reflectance image into an image window;
- selecting a first point of the structure in the image;
- selecting a second point on the structure;
- selecting a third point of the structure;
- measuring edges with respect to the first point, second point and third point;
- extracting straight edges for the first point, second point and third point;
- constructing a plane so as to be perpendicular to an average of directions of lines defined by the straight edges;
- intersecting the plane in turn with each of the lines to determine three control points;
- and
- computing dimensions with the three control points for measuring distances between discrete points on the structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.