Deflecting Mirror Position Tracking Using Reference Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measuring devices face challenges in accurately determining the position of a deflection mirror relative to an image sensor without mechanical instability or additional measurement devices, especially under thermal influences or during repositioning.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reference mark on the deflection mirror's surface that allows the digital image sensor to capture and evaluate its position, enabling self-referencing and position determination without additional encoders or interferometers, using digital interferometry or holography to calculate the deflection mirror's position from image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a deflecting mirror is used to adjust the observation direction independently of the installation position, then the adaptability of the measuring device is improved, but the position stability of the deflecting mirror relative to the image sensor deteriorates due to thermal influences and mechanical drift
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images of the reference mark and calculates its position to determine the current state of the deflecting mirror. This feedback information is used to correct and update the stored reference position, compensating for thermal drift and mechanical instability without requiring the mirror to be mechanically rigidly fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device uses its own image sensor to detect the reference mark on the deflecting mirror, enabling the system to self-monitor and self-correct its positional drift without external intervention or additional specialized sensors
2Measurement precision
If additional measurement devices such as encoders or interferometers are used to detect the position of the deflecting mirror, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The digital image sensor serves dual purposes: it captures images of the scene for measurement and simultaneously detects the reference mark on the deflecting mirror for position determination. This eliminates the need for separate encoders or interferometers while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality of position detection is merged into the existing image acquisition system. The same optical path and image sensor used for scene measurement are also used to detect the reference mark, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system
3Device complexity
If mechanical mounting without drift compensation is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of position information deteriorates over time due to thermal influences
Solution Approach 1:
A reference position is stored before measurement begins, establishing a baseline for comparison. This preliminary reference allows the system to detect and compensate for subsequent drift, maintaining reliability without complex mechanical mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the reference mark position and compares it against the stored reference position. This feedback mechanism detects drift caused by thermal influences and enables correction, maintaining reliable position information despite simple mechanical mounting
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 method allows for precise and efficient self-referencing of the deflection mirror, reducing the effort required for position detection and compensating for mechanical errors due to thermal changes or repositioning inaccuracies, enabling accurate image capture and surface measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a deflecting mirror with a surface reflecting electromagnetic radiation, wherein the deflecting mirror is configured and arranged such that, during operation of the measuring device, the deflecting mirror directs electromagnetic radiation from the scene to the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
a digital image sensor for acquiring image data of a scene
Implementation Method 3
the control and evaluation device calculates a first value for the first position from a set of image data acquired by the image sensor in the first position of the deflecting mirror, either from an angular position of the reference mark relative to an axis, or from a distance of the reference mark from a reference point
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical measuring device comprising a digital image sensor for acquiring image data of a scene, a deflecting mirror with a surface reflecting electromagnetic radiation, wherein the deflecting mirror is configured and arranged such that, during operation of the measuring device, the deflecting mirror directs electromagnetic radiation from the scene to the image sensor, and a control and evaluation unit, wherein the control and evaluation unit is connected to the image sensor such that, during operation of the measuring device, the control and evaluation unit receives the image data from the image sensor, wherein the image sensor is configured such that, at least in a first position of the deflecting mirror, the image sensor acquires at least a first set of image data of the scene.wherein at least one reference mark is provided on the reflective surface of the deflecting mirror and wherein the control and evaluation device is configured such that the control and evaluation device calculates a first value for the position from a set of image data acquired by the image sensor in the first position of the deflecting mirror, either from an angular position of the reference mark relative to an axis, or from a distance of the reference mark to a reference point, or from an inclination of the reference mark relative to a path of electromagnetic radiation, and links this first value with the at least one first set of image data.