Distance Measuring Apparatus Aperture Scattering Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measuring apparatuses face reduced resolving power and shortened measurable distances due to laser light scattering and diffraction at the optical splitter's aperture, leading to difficulties in distinguishing return light from stray light.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first aperture unit on the optical path to reduce the diameter of outgoing light, preventing scattering and diffraction, and optionally using a second aperture unit to further block diffracted light, thereby improving the resolving power and extending the measurable distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the aperture of the optical splitter is made smaller to increase the receiving amount of return light, then the receiving amount of return light is improved, but the laser light is scattered or diffracted on the inner surface surrounding the aperture, causing the spot diameter to become larger and reducing the resolving power of range and bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical path into two separate segments: one for transmitting outgoing light (through the aperture) and another for receiving return light (reflected from the object). By using a beam splitter to separate these paths, the system can optimize the aperture size for return light reception without compromising the collimation of outgoing light, thus resolving the contradiction between receiving amount and resolving power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary component that separates the outgoing light path from the return light path. This mediator allows the aperture to be optimized for one function (receiving return light) while the outgoing light maintains its collimation through a separate optical path, eliminating the scattering and diffraction problems that would occur if the same aperture served both functions
2Quantity of substance
If the aperture of the optical splitter is made smaller to increase the receiving amount of return light, then the receiving amount of return light is improved, but scattered light and diffracted light are incident on the light receiver as stray light, shortening the measurable distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct outgoing light and return light paths using a beam splitter. This separation ensures that scattered and diffracted light from the aperture does not contaminate the return light signal, allowing the aperture to be optimized for maximum return light reception without generating stray light that would limit measurable distance
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary that directs return light away from the aperture's inner surface, preventing scattered and diffracted light from reaching the light receiver. This mediator component enables the aperture to be made smaller for increased return light reception while blocking the harmful stray light paths, thereby extending the measurable distance
3Device complexity
If the diameter of outgoing light is not reduced, then the optical path is simpler, but the spot diameter becomes larger and the resolving power of range and bearing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into separate outgoing light and return light paths, allowing the outgoing light diameter to be independently controlled. This segmentation enables the use of a smaller outgoing light diameter to improve resolving power while maintaining a manageable optical path complexity through the use of a beam splitter to manage the separate paths
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 enhances the resolving power of range and bearing while increasing the measurable distance without increasing the thickness of the transmitting optic, effectively reducing stray light incidence on the light receiver.
Implementation Method 1
when the aperture of the optical splitter is made smaller to increase the receiving amount of the return light, the laser light is scattered or diffracted on the inner surface (hereafter, also referred to as an "edge") surrounding the aperture
Implementation Method 2
an optical scanning unit to scan with outgoing light emitted from the laser light source
Implementation Method 3
a light receiving unit to detect the return light reflected off the optical scanning unit, the return light being reflected off the object irradiated with the outgoing light from the optical scanning unit
Data Source
AI summary
The distance measuring apparatus detects return light reflected off or scattered by an object and measures a distance to the object. The distance measuring apparatus includes a laser light source, an optical scanning unit to scan with outgoing light emitted from the laser light source, a light receiving unit to detect the return light, which is reflected off the object irradiated with the outgoing light from the optical scanning unit, reflected off the optical scanning unit, a light-path guiding unit to direct the outgoing light emitted from the laser light source toward the optical scanning unit, and a first aperture to make a diameter of the outgoing light small and disposed on an optical path, from the laser light source to the light-path guiding unit, of the outgoing light.