Uncollimated Laser Diode Calibration via Two Lines Light Source Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D imaging technologies face challenges in achieving accurate measurements due to the use of extended light sources, which produce shadows with blurred boundaries, and the complexity of modeling light propagation with astigmatic laser diodes, making it difficult to achieve precise industrial inspection and metrology.
Innovation Solution
A Two Lines Light Source model is introduced to describe the behavior of uncollimated laser diodes, using two 3D lines as model parameters to ensure unique ray emission for each illuminated point, allowing for calibration and efficient implementation in 3D imaging applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an extended light source such as a high intensity LED is used to illuminate an object, then the illumination intensity is sufficient, but the shadow boundaries become blurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light source conceptually into two intersecting lines rather than treating it as an extended area, allowing mathematical modeling of ray propagation that produces sharp shadow boundaries while maintaining sufficient illumination intensity through the laser diode's directional emission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the light source model from extended area coordinates to two-line intersection geometry, transforming the mathematical description of light propagation to achieve sharp shadow boundaries while maintaining practical illumination levels
2Measurement precision
If a lens is used to focus a binary pattern on an object for structured light 3D scanning, then the pattern resolution is improved, but depth of field constraints cause out of focus patterns to appear as blurred shadows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the focusing function from the optical system by using the uncollimated laser diode's inherent directional emission properties, eliminating the need for focusing lenses and thereby removing depth of field constraints entirely while maintaining pattern resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical focusing system (lenses and depth of field management) with a mathematical ray propagation model based on two intersecting lines, substituting optical mechanics with computational geometry to achieve focus-independent sharp boundaries
3Device complexity
If traditional point light source models are used for uncollimated laser diodes, then the model simplicity is maintained, but the astigmatic nature of laser diodes causes inaccurate light propagation modeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry into the light source model by using two intersecting lines at specific angles rather than a symmetric point source, accurately capturing the astigmatic emission pattern of laser diodes while keeping the model computationally tractable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a zero-dimensional point source model to a one-dimensional two-line model, adding dimensional complexity that captures the astigmatic nature of laser diodes while maintaining mathematical simplicity through linear geometry
4Adaptability or versatility
If diffraction optical elements are used to avoid focusing with lenses, then depth of field issues are resolved, but the technology is not appropriate for high resolution 3D scanners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a mathematical copy of the light propagation behavior through the two-line model, replicating the essential geometric properties needed for high resolution 3D scanning without the physical constraints of diffraction optical elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces diffraction optical elements with a computational light propagation model, substituting physical diffraction-based systems with mathematical ray tracing that achieves superior resolution while maintaining depth of field freedom
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 Two Lines Light Source model enables the production of shadows with sharp boundaries, providing accurate and precise measurements in 3D imaging, reducing computational costs, and overcoming the limitations of astigmatic laser diodes in existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an uncollimated laser diode as a light source to generate a shadow with sharp boundaries when used to illuminate an opaque occluder
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to calibrate an uncollimated laser diode for three-dimensional imaging applications. A method includes providing an optical comparator having an uncollimated laser diode as a light source to generate a shadow with sharp boundaries when used to illuminate an opaque occluder, wherein a two lines source model of light propagation is used to describe a behavior of the uncollimated laser diode, the two lines source model defined by two three-dimensional (3D) lines as model parameters, the uncollimated laser diode calibrated by estimating the two lines as a function of a sample of a ray field emitted by the uncollimated laser diode.