Confocally Chromatic Sensor Multi-Hole Stop Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing confocally chromatic sensors are limited in accuracy for extensive measurement objects, require longer measurement times, and are expensive, large, and heavy, making them difficult to integrate into existing optical systems, especially for achieving high-resolution coordinate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A confocally chromatic sensor with a first stop element having multiple hole elements, an illumination device with chromatically aberrative properties, a sensor unit with wavelength-dependent imaging capabilities, and a confocal stop element to transmit focused detection light beams, allowing simultaneous determination of coordinates and lateral imaging of extensive measurement objects without the need for precise mechanical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If confocally chromatic point sensors are used for measuring extensive measurement objects, then measurement precision can be achieved, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple independent pixel elements, each capable of performing confocal measurement independently. This allows parallel measurement across multiple determination locations simultaneously, maintaining nanometer-level precision while dramatically reducing total measurement time compared to scanning single-point sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional point-by-point scanning to two-dimensional area imaging capability. Multiple pixel elements capture depth information across different determination locations in a single image, adding spatial dimensionality to the measurement process and enabling extensive area coverage without proportionally increasing measurement time.
2Measurement precision
If confocally chromatic sensors are used for extensive measurements, then coordinate determination is possible, but the sensor becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor utilizes a pixel array where each pixel is a mini-confocal measurement unit. This segmentation allows the sensor to achieve extensive measurement coverage through multiple small units rather than one large unit, reducing the mass of individual components while maintaining overall measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pixel element serves multiple functions: it acts as both an imaging element and a confocal measurement element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall sensor size and weight while maintaining depth determination accuracy across all determination locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If confocally chromatic sensors are integrated into existing optical systems, then measurement capability is added, but integration difficulty increases due to chromatic correction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor employs different optical characteristics for different functions: the illumination optical path uses chromatically aberrative properties to create depth-dependent focus, while the detection optical path uses corrected imaging optics for sharp images. This local differentiation allows integration into existing systems without requiring complete optical redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor introduces an intermediate confocal stop element that separates the illumination and detection optical paths. This intermediary component allows the system to combine chromatically aberrative illumination with corrected detection imaging, facilitating integration into existing optical systems while maintaining both depth measurement and image quality capabilities.
4Measurement precision
If confocally chromatic sensors scan surface of measurement objects, then coordinate determination is achieved, but accurate mechanical movement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor captures multiple determination locations simultaneously across a two-dimensional area in a single image, eliminating the need for sequential scanning and precise mechanical movement between points. The depth information is obtained through optical confocality rather than mechanical positioning, significantly simplifying operational requirements.
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 accurate and efficient determination of coordinates at multiple locations on extensive measurement objects with improved resolution and reduced measurement time, while being more compact and cost-effective, allowing for integration into existing optical systems without the need for precise mechanical alignment.
Implementation Method 1
use is made of measurement objective lenses having chromatic aberration, which focus portions of a light beam with different wavelengths in different focal planes along an optical axis of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
the sensor element is configured to determine at least one wavelength-dependent image content
Implementation Method 3
at least one confocal stop element having at least two hole elements, wherein the confocal stop element is configured to transmit at least one portion of at least one detection light beam emanating from the measurement object to the second optical element for which the measurement object is in the focal plane of the first optical element
Data Source
AI summary
A confocally chromatic sensor for determining coordinates of two different determination locations of a measurement object. The confocally chromatic sensor comprises:a first stop element having two hole elements;an illumination device configured to generate an illumination light beam to illuminate the measurement object through the first stop element at the two determination locations;a first optical element configured to focus a portion of the illumination light beam at two focal points in one focal plane along an optical axis of the first optical element;a sensor unit having a second optical element and a sensor element configured to determine a wavelength-dependent image content;a confocal stop element having two hole elements, and configured to transmit a portion of a detection light beam emanating from the measurement object to the second optical element for which the measurement object is in the focal plane of the first optical element, to generate the wavelength-dependent image content; andan evaluation unit configured to determine the two coordinates of the determination locations from the wavelength-dependent image content.