Adaptive Laser Beam Shaping for Mixed-Target Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measurement technologies face challenges in adapting laser beams to different types of target objects, including scattering and reflecting targets, and struggle with extraneous light attenuation, leading to measurement errors and detector overload.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a second laser beam shaping optical unit with an array of adjustable reflecting transmission elements and a second reception beam shaping optical unit with adjustable reflecting reception elements to adapt the laser beam to the type and size of the target object, while also attenuating extraneous light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a collimated laser beam is used for measuring distance to scattering target objects, then measurement capability to scattering targets is improved, but measurement capability to reflecting target objects deteriorates due to detector overload and alignment sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by providing multiple laser beam shaping optical units with different beam shaping properties (collimating, diverging, focusing) that can be selectively switched depending on the target type and distance. This allows the system to transition from a static collimated beam configuration to a dynamic system that adapts its beam characteristics in real-time to match measurement requirements for different target objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal distance measurement system that can handle both scattering target objects and reflecting target objects (including individual retroreflectors and surface retroreflectors) using a single apparatus. This is achieved by equipping the system with multiple beam shaping optical units that provide diverse beam characteristics, enabling the same device to universally measure distances to various target types without requiring separate specialized systems.
2Length of stationary object
If the radiant flux of the laser beam source is increased to improve measurement range, then measurement capability to distant targets is improved, but detector overload occurs when measuring reflecting target objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the beam shaping parameters (collimation, divergence, focusing) based on the target type and distance to optimize the radiant flux distribution. For reflecting target objects, the system selects beam shaping configurations that control the reflected beam characteristics, preventing excessive radiant flux from reaching the detector while maintaining adequate measurement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam shaping optical units as intermediary elements between the laser beam source and the target objects. These optical units (collimating, diverging, or focusing lenses) act as mediators that modify the beam characteristics before interaction with the target, thereby controlling the reflected beam's radiant flux and preventing detector overload while preserving measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If a collimated laser beam is used to measure distance to individual retroreflectors, then measurement precision is improved, but alignment accuracy requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides dynamic alignment adaptability by offering multiple beam shaping optical units with different characteristics. When measuring individual retroreflectors, the system can select appropriate beam shaping configurations that balance measurement precision with relaxed alignment requirements, transitioning from rigid collimated beams to more flexible diverging or focusing beam patterns as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beam parameters (collimation ratio, divergence angle, focusing distance) to optimize the balance between measurement precision and alignment tolerance. By adjusting these parameters according to the specific measurement scenario, the system achieves high measurement accuracy without requiring extremely precise alignment, thereby reducing manufacturing and operational complexity.
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
This solution allows for accurate distance measurement to various target objects by adjusting the laser beam and reception beam properties, reducing measurement errors and preventing detector overload.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam source (13), which generates a laser beam (14)
Implementation Method 2
a beam shaping optical unit (21), which comprises a collimation optical unit (18), which reshapes the laser beam (14) into a collimated laser beam (35)
Implementation Method 3
reflecting target objects embodied as individual retroreflectors
Implementation Method 4
a detector (15), which receives a reception beam (16) that has been scattered or reflected in a target object (28)
Implementation Method 5
for optically measuring the distance to scattering target objects
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for optically measuring a distance to a scattering target object or a reflecting target object includes a laser beam source which is embodied as a first electro-optical component, a detector which is embodied as a second electro-optical component and which receives a reception beam that has been scattered at the scattering target object or a reception beam that has been reflected at the reflecting target object, and a laser beam shaping device with a first laser beam shaping optical unit and a second laser beam shaping optical unit where the second laser beam shaping optical unit is disposed downstream of the first laser beam shaping optical unit in a beam path of a laser beam. The second laser beam shaping optical unit is embodied as a first array of reflecting transmission elements where an orientation of the reflecting transmission elements is adjustable by a first control unit.