Chromatic Aberration Detector for Extended-Range Distance Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing confocal chromatic sensors face limitations in measurement range and reliability, particularly in fully automated processes, with challenges in determining the measurement range and requiring high technical resources and costs.

Innovation Solution

A detector system utilizing chromatic aberration and aperture elements to separate focused and unfocused light components, combined with confocal chromatic sensors and DPR technology, allows for accurate distance determination over a broader range by evaluating the intensity ratios of central and edge components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If confocal chromatic sensors are used for high accuracy distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The light beam is segmented into central components and edge components by the aperture element. Central components pass through to provide confocal chromatic measurement, while edge components are blocked to extend the effective measurement range. This segmentation allows the system to operate in different measurement modes within a single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the light beam are assigned different functions: central components are used for high-precision confocal measurement, while edge components are utilized for extended range detection. The aperture element creates local quality differences by selectively transmitting or blocking specific beam regions based on their spatial position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If confocal chromatic sensors are used for accurate distance determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidtechnical resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges confocal chromatic sensing with extended range detection capabilities into a single integrated device. The aperture element is combined with the confocal sensor, allowing both high-precision measurement and extended range functionality without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector is designed to perform multiple functions: high-precision confocal chromatic measurement within the standard measurement range, and extended range detection beyond the conventional limits. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If confocal chromatic sensors operate at minimum measurement distance, then measurement precision is improved, but standoff distance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidstandoff distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its measurement mode based on the object distance. Within the standard measurement range, it operates in confocal mode for high precision. Beyond this range, it automatically transitions to extended range detection mode, providing continuous accurate measurement across varying distances without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables reliable and accurate distance measurement beyond the conventional measurement range of confocal chromatic sensors, with reduced technical effort and resource requirements, facilitating automated processes.

Implementation Method 1

The detector comprises: at least one transfer device with chromatic aberration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChromatic aberration: Lens

Implementation Method 2

at least one aperture element, wherein the aperture element is configured to block edge components of a light beam propagating from the object to the detector and having passed the transfer device, wherein the aperture element is configured to let pass central components of said light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

at least one first optical sensor positioned in a direction of propagation of said light beam behind the aperture element, wherein the first optical sensor is configured for determining a color information of said central components and at least one first intensity information of said central components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3877725B1Detector and method for determining a position of at least one object
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 TRINAMIX GMBH
  • EP3877725B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3877725B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3877725B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A detector (110) for determining a position of at least one object (112) is disclosed. The detector (110) comprises: - at least one transfer device (114) with chromatic aberration; - at least one aperture element (118), wherein the aperture element (118) is configured to block edge components of a light beam (120) propagating from the object (112) to the detector (110) and having passed the transfer device (114), wherein the aperture element (118) is configured to let pass central components (119) of said light beam (120); - at least one first optical sensor (126) positioned in a direction of propagation of said light beam (120) behind the aperture element (118), wherein the first optical sensor (126) is configured for determining a color information of the central components (119) of said light beam (120) and wherein the first optical sensor (126) is configured for determining at least one first intensity information of the central components of said light beam (120); - at least one second optical sensor (128), wherein the second optical sensor (128) is configured to determine at least one second intensity information of the edge components of said light beam (120).