Accuracy Improvement Method of a 3D Laser Scanner Based on the D-H Model

A three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner with characteristics such as acquiring huge point cloud data and noncontact measurement has revolutionized the surveying and mapping industry. Nonetheless, how to guarantee the 3D laser scanner precision remains the critical factor that determines the excellence of 3D laser scanners. Hence, this study proposes a 3D laser scanner error analysis and calibration-method-based D-H model, applies the D-H model method in the robot area to the 3D laser scanner coordinate for calculating the point cloud data and creatively derive the error model, comprehensively analyzes six external parameters and seven inner structure parameters that affect point cloud coordinator error, and designs two calibration platforms for inner structure parameters. To validate the proposed method, we used SOKKIA total station and BLSS-PE 3D laser scanner to attain the center coordinate of the testing target sphere and then evaluate the external parameters and modify the point coordinate. Based on modifying the point coordinate, comparing the point coordinate that considered the inner structure parameters with the point coordinate that did not consider the inner structure parameters, the experiment revealed that the BLSS-PE 3D laser scanner’s precision enhanced after considering the inner structure parameters, demonstrating that the error analysis and calibration method was correct and feasible.