Optical Interferometric Range Sensor Light Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical interferometric range sensors that emit multiple laser beams pose safety risks due to inadequate safety standards and may compromise measurement accuracy when using multiple single spot heads or reducing the number of beams.
Innovation Solution
An optical interferometric range sensor that adjusts the amount of light emitted based on the type of sensor head identified, using a light adjuster and identifier to ensure compliance with safety standards while maintaining high measurement accuracy, regardless of whether a single spot head or multi-spot head is used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple single spot heads are used to emit multiple laser beams, then measurement accuracy is improved, but safety risks increase due to excessive laser beam irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light emission amount adjustable and changeable based on operational conditions. The light adjuster dynamically modifies the intensity or number of laser beams emitted from the sensor head, allowing the system to adapt between high-accuracy measurement mode and safety-compliant mode, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and safety risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light emission amount (intensity or number of beams) based on the identified sensor head type. By adjusting this critical parameter, the system can emit sufficient light for accurate measurement when using appropriate sensor heads, while limiting emission to safe levels when safety is concerned, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and safety
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the number of laser beams is reduced to increase safety, then safety risks are decreased, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by matching specific sensor head types with appropriate light emission amounts. Different sensor heads (with different spot configurations) are assigned different emission levels - multi-spot heads receive higher emission for accuracy, while single-spot heads receive limited emission for safety. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction by allowing high accuracy where safe and ensuring safety where necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number or intensity of laser beams based on the identified sensor head type. The light adjuster modifies emission parameters in real-time according to operational requirements, enabling the system to emit sufficient beams for accurate measurement when safety permits, while reducing beams to safe levels when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and accuracy
3Measurement precision
If manual light adjustment is required for different sensor heads, then measurement accuracy can be optimized, but user workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically identify the sensor head type and adjust the light emission amount without user intervention. The identifier detects sensor head characteristics, and the light adjuster autonomously configures appropriate emission parameters, eliminating manual adjustment requirements while maintaining optimal measurement accuracy, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy optimization and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback through the identifier that detects sensor head type and provides information to the light adjuster. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of light emission based on actual sensor head characteristics, replacing manual user decisions with automated feedback-driven control, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and user workload
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 allows for accurate distance measurement while adhering to safety standards for laser beam irradiation, reducing user workload and ensuring precise measurement without the need for manual light adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that emits light with a changing wavelength
Implementation Method 2
an interferometer that generates, for each of the plurality of beams of the split light incident on a corresponding spot of the plurality of spots, interference light based on measurement light emitted from a sensor head to a measurement target and reflected from the measurement target and reference light traveling on an optical path at least partially different from an optical path of the measurement light
Implementation Method 3
a light receiver that receives the interference light from the interferometer to convert the interference light to an electric signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical interferometric range sensor can adjust the amount of light as appropriate for a sensor head. An optical interferometric range sensor (100) includes a light source (110) that emits light with a changing wavelength, a light splitter (120) that splits the light emitted from the light source into a plurality of beams to be incident on a plurality of spots, an interferometer (130) that generates, for each of the plurality of beams of the split light incident on a corresponding spot of the plurality of spots, interference light based on measurement light emitted from a sensor head to a measurement target (T) and reflected from the measurement target (T) and reference light traveling on an optical path at least partially different from an optical path of the measurement light, a light receiver (140a to 140c) that receives the interference light to convert the interference light to an electric signal, a processor (150) that calculates a distance from the sensor head to the measurement target based on the electric signal, an identifier (160) that identifies the sensor head based on a beat signal generated by the interferometer, and a light adjuster (170) that adjusts an amount of light to be incident on the measurement target based on the sensor head.