GLV Laser Line Imager In-Line Stitching Architecture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-power GLV-based laser optical imager modules are wider than the images they produce, preventing seamless stitching of individual pixelated line images into a longer single pixelated line image.
Innovation Solution
An optical imager system comprising multiple modules with a laser light source, collimator, illumination optical system, grating light valve, and projection optical system, organized into feathered and in-line sections for stacking, allowing in-line stitching of individual images to form a seamless longer single pixelated line image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional high power GLV-based laser optical imager modules are used, then high-resolution imaging is achieved, but the module width exceeds the image width preventing seamless stitching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the imager modules from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical stacked arrangement. By stacking modules in the vertical dimension rather than placing them horizontally, the system achieves seamless stitching in the horizontal direction without the modules needing to be adjacent horizontally. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by allowing high-resolution imaging while eliminating the width constraint that prevented stitching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple independent imager modules that can be manufactured separately and then stacked. Each module produces a portion of the final image, and through the optical relay system, these segmented images are combined seamlessly. This segmentation allows each module to maintain optimized dimensions for high-resolution imaging while the overall system achieves extended imaging capability through stacking.
2Length of moving object
If multiple imager modules are stacked to produce longer images, then imaging length is increased, but mechanical interference between modules occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the optical relay system in the vertical dimension between stacked modules, allowing light to be relayed from lower modules to upper modules without horizontal mechanical interference. This vertical arrangement with optical relaying eliminates the need for complex horizontal alignment mechanisms and prevents mechanical interference while enabling extended image length through stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical relay systems as intermediary components between the stacked imager modules. These relays act as mediators that transfer and combine the light paths from individual modules without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex alignment between modules. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture and eliminates mechanical interference issues.
3Manufacturing precision
If in-line stitching of individual pixelated line images is attempted, then seamless longer line image is produced, but module width must be reduced which complicates module design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves in-line stitching by stacking modules vertically and using optical relays to combine their outputs horizontally. This allows each module to maintain its optimal width for manufacturing while the optical system creates the seamless extended image. The dimensional reorganization eliminates the constraint that would otherwise require reducing module width, thereby simplifying module design while maintaining image seamlessness.
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 the creation of a seamless, high-intensity, one-dimensional line image by aligning and stacking modules without mechanical interference, enhancing imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one imager module comprising a laser light source
Implementation Method 2
grating light valve, a spatial light modulator
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imager system and method of operating the optical imager system, can include one or more imager modules including a laser light source, a collimator, an illumination optical system, a grating light valve, a spatial light modulator and a projection optical system. A group of imager modules can include the one or more imager modules. The group of imager modules is operable in a stacked arrangement to produce an image from in-line stitching of individual images generated by the one or more imager modules. The illumination optical system can homogenize, shape, and direct a beam from the laser light source onto the grating light valve, and homogenization can occur in a cross-process direction.