Laser Scanner Detector Arrays on a Circular Ring for Gap-Free Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional scanning devices face challenges in efficiently scanning larger and denser areas with high resolution using detector arrays, as they often require additional optical detectors and suffer from inefficient packing and alignment of detectors, leading to gaps and reduced detail in imaging.

Innovation Solution

The scanning device employs at least two identically aligned detector arrays arranged on a common circular ring, each with multiple optical detectors, oriented at different angles relative to the scan direction, allowing for a dense packing and compact design that minimizes gaps between pixels, enhancing the scanning resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single detector array is used to scan a large area, then the device size can be kept compact, but the scanning resolution and detail are reduced due to inefficient detector packing and alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning resolutionVSAvoiddetector arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detector arrangement is segmented into multiple separate detector arrays (at least two) instead of using a single large array. Each detector array contains multiple optical detectors arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows for more efficient packing of detectors while maintaining compact device size and improving scanning resolution through better utilization of the detector elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If additional optical detectors are added to increase scan area coverage, then the scanned area can be enlarged, but the device complexity and gap between pixels increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan area coverageVSAvoidpixel alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a single-plane detector arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration by placing multiple detector arrays at different angular orientations around the scan area. This dimensional change allows comprehensive coverage of the entire scan area while maintaining precise pixel alignment within each array and eliminating gaps through the combined coverage of multiple arrays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If detectors are densely packed to improve resolution, then scanning detail is enhanced, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning detailVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple detector arrays are merged into a unified detector arrangement that functions as a single integrated system. The arrays are coordinated to work together, with their combined fields of view covering the entire scan area. This merging approach achieves high scanning detail through dense detector packing while maintaining compact device size by sharing common structural support and control systems across all arrays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration enables a completely closed scan area with exceptional detail and high resolution, achieving efficient scanning with minimal size and energy consumption while maintaining eye safety and compliance with safety standards.

Implementation Method 1

a light source arrangement configured to illuminate at least the field of view of the detector arrangement... determine distance information to objects in the vicinity from a travel time of the emitted and/or received light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4650822A1Scanning device
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 SICK AG
  • EP4650822A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4650822A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4650822A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a scanning device, in particular a laser scanner. The scanning device comprises a detector arrangement with a plurality of optical detectors, a scan module configured to vary the position and/or orientation of the field of view of the detector arrangement in order to define a corresponding scan area, and an evaluation unit configured to obtain information about objects in the scan area of ​​the scanning device from the combined detection signals of the detectors of the detector arrangement. According to the invention, the optical detectors of the detector arrangement are configured as at least two identically aligned detector arrays, each with at least three optical detectors arranged linearly. According to the invention, said detector arrays are arranged on a common circular ring extending perpendicular to the common orientation of said detector arrays.