Pattern Irradiation Device Using Blue Laser Diodes and Light Tunnel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pattern irradiation devices for handling systems are large in size and expensive due to their complex optical systems, which hinder the development of compact and cost-effective solutions for accurate three-dimensional measurement and object handling.
Innovation Solution
A pattern irradiation device utilizing blue laser diodes, a transmission or reflection diffusion plate, and a light tunnel to emit a uniform image pattern, which enhances the accuracy of three-dimensional measurement while reducing the device's size and cost by optimizing the optical path and energy output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a projector configuration with DMD or liquid crystal panel is used for pattern irradiation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex relay optical system and color combination optical system from the projector configuration. By using a simple light source that directly emits in the measurement wavelength range (e.g., blue laser diodes at 450-480nm) and eliminating the DMD/liquid crystal panel, the patent achieves pattern irradiation functionality with minimal optical components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex projector components (DMD, liquid crystal panels, relay optics) with inexpensive, simple alternatives. The use of straightforward light sources like blue laser diodes or LED arrays with simple optical elements (lenses, mirrors) provides a cost-effective solution that achieves the same measurement functionality without the high cost associated with commercial projector-based systems.
2Measurement precision
If a projector configuration with DMD or liquid crystal panel is used for pattern irradiation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky relay optical system and color combination optics from the projector configuration. By using a simple light source that directly emits in the measurement wavelength range and eliminating intermediate optical components, the patent achieves compact device size while maintaining the ability to project accurate measurement patterns for distance measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a broad-spectrum light source and filtering/combining colors through complex optics (the conventional projector approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a light source that directly emits in the desired measurement wavelength range. This eliminates the need for color combination optics and relay systems, resulting in a compact device design.
3Measurement precision
If conventional projector-based pattern irradiation is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive projector components (DMD chips, liquid crystal panels, precision relay optics) with inexpensive alternatives. The use of affordable light sources like blue laser diodes or LED arrays combined with simple optical elements provides a cost-effective solution that achieves accurate distance measurement functionality at a fraction of the cost of commercial projector-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the costly DMD/liquid crystal panel subsystem and relay optical system from the projector configuration. By using a simple light source that directly emits in the measurement wavelength range, the patent achieves pattern irradiation functionality with minimal components, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
The solution achieves high optical output with reduced size and cost, enabling accurate distance measurement and improved handling system performance without increasing the complexity of the optical system.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit that emits laser beams; and a light condensing unit that condenses the laser beams emitted by the light emitting unit on the transmission or reflection diffusion plate
Implementation Method 2
a transmission or reflection diffusion plate on which the condensed laser beams are condensed; and a light tunnel that receives the laser beams from the light condensing unit through the transmission or reflection diffusion plate
Data Source
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AI summary
An illumination apparatus providing light with a homogeneous brightness distribution, including: a light emitting unit that outputs light; a light condensing unit that condenses the light output from the light emitting unit; a diffusion unit that diffuses the light condensed by the light condensing unit; and a uniformizing optical system, such as a rod integrator or light tunnel, that receives the light diffused by the diffusion unit, uniformizes a brightness distribution thereof compared with that of the light being received, and outputs the resulting light. Applications include structured light pattern projection for 3D measurements and robot handling.