Distance Measuring Device Using Beam Spreader and Non-Coaxial Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance measuring devices using laser light are limited in measuring distances to multiple points simultaneously due to the requirement of coaxial optical axes and the need for optical members like mirrors, which hinders the reduction of device size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring device that spreads laser light in a first direction using a beam spreader and employs a light reception optical system with a different optical axis, allowing multiple points on an object to be measured by detecting the time of flight of laser light, eliminating the need for reflective mirrors and maintaining directivity, thus enabling simpler and more compact configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If coaxial optical axes are used for irradiation and light reception systems, then the irradiation range and light reception range can be matched, but measuring distances to multiple points simultaneously becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple light receiving elements (first, second, third, and fourth light receiving elements) that are spatially separated. Each light receiving element detects reflected light from different positions on the object, enabling simultaneous multi-point distance measurement while maintaining measurement precision through the segmented sensor array configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point measurement approach (coaxial optical axes) to a multi-point measurement approach by arranging light receiving elements in a two-dimensional spatial configuration. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture distance information from multiple positions simultaneously without compromising measurement accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical members like reflective mirrors are used to change optical path, then distances to multiple points can be measured, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reflective mirror from the optical system entirely. Instead of using a mirror to redirect light paths, the system directly positions multiple light receiving elements to detect reflected light from different object positions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-point measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The light receiving elements serve multiple functions: they detect reflected light from different positions on the object, enable simultaneous multi-point distance measurement, and eliminate the need for additional optical components like mirrors. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical members like reflective mirrors are used to change optical path, then distances to multiple points can be measured, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the reflective mirror component from the system. By eliminating this bulky optical member, the device size is reduced while the multi-point measurement capability is maintained through the direct spatial arrangement of light receiving elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical paths into a single integrated sensor array. Instead of using separate optical paths with mirrors for each measurement point, multiple light receiving elements are combined in one sensor unit, reducing device size while enabling simultaneous multi-point measurement
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 simultaneous measurement of distances to multiple points on an object without the need for reflective mirrors, reducing device size and complexity while maintaining high directivity and accuracy, and allowing for 360-degree distance information acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation optical system comprising a beam spreader which is configured to spread the laser light emitted from the laser light source in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
an irradiation optical system comprising a beam spreader which is configured to spread the laser light emitted from the laser light source in a first direction
Implementation Method 3
a light reception optical system having a second optical axis that is different than the first optical axis, the light reception optical system being positioned to receive reflected light of the laser light
Implementation Method 4
a light reception optical system having a second optical axis that is different than the first optical axis, the light reception optical system being positioned to receive reflected light of the laser light
Implementation Method 5
a sensor including a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in the first direction, the sensor being positioned to receive light reflected from the object which has passed through the light reception optical system
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring device includes a laser light source, an irradiation optical system comprising a beam spreader which is configured to spread the laser light about a first optical axis, a light reception optical system having a second optical axis different from the first optical axis and positioned to receive reflected light of the laser light from the object for measuring a distance to the object, a sensor with light receiving elements arranged in a first direction, the sensor being positioned to receive light reflected from the object which has passed through the light reception optical system, and a distance measuring unit configured to acquire distance information relating to the object based on the difference in time between emission of the laser light source and the reception of the reflected light at each of the plurality of light receiving elements.