Effective distinction of transparent and specular reflective objects in point clouds of a multi-echo laser scanner

Abstract

A favoured sensor for mapping is a 3D laser scanner since it allows a wide scanning range, precise measurements, and is usable indoor and outdoor. Hence, a mapping module delivers detailed and high resolution maps which makes it possible to navigate safely. Difficulties result from transparent and specular reflective objects which cause erroneous and dubious measurements. At such objects, based on the incident angle, measurements result from the object surface, an object behind the transparent surface, or an object mirrored with respect to the reflective surface. This paper describes an enhanced Pre-Filter-Module to distinguish between these cases. Two experiments demonstrate the usability and show that for single scans the identification of mentioned objects in 3D is possible. The first experiment was made in an empty room with a mirror. The second experiment was made in a stairway which contains a glass door. Further, results show that a discrimination between a specular reflective and a transparent object is possible. Especially for transparent objects the detected size is restricted to the incident angle. That is why future work concentrates on implementing a post-filter module. Gained experience shows that collecting the data of multiple scans and postprocess them as soon as the object was bypassed will improve the map.