Laser Projection Stabilization via Segmented Alignment and Centration Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser projection systems face challenges in maintaining accurate alignment and centration due to factors like angular misalignment and positional misalignment, which affect the performance and efficiency of combined systems used in applications such as search and rescue, military targeting, and range finding.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of separate alignment and centration stabilization processing paths within the laser projection system, utilizing sensors and actuators to receive and process alignment and centration information, and adjust the optical path accordingly, ensuring precise alignment and centration through dedicated actuation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a combined laser projection system is used for accurate targeting and imaging, then the system provides precise information about target details, but the system complexity increases due to multiple optical paths and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stabilization system into two independent subsystems: an alignment stabilization system with its own processing path, sensors, and actuators, and a centration stabilization system with its own processing path, sensors, and actuators. This segmentation allows each subsystem to independently handle specific stabilization functions, reducing the complexity of the overall control architecture while maintaining high measurement precision for targeting accuracy.
2Device complexity
If alignment and centration stabilization are handled by a single integrated system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of alignment and centration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate processing paths for alignment stabilization and centration stabilization, with dedicated sensors and actuators for each function. This segmentation ensures that alignment precision and centration precision are independently optimized and maintained, preventing degradation in manufacturing precision while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different stabilization strategies and control mechanisms tailored to the specific requirements of alignment and centration functions. The alignment stabilization system uses specific sensors and actuators optimized for angular alignment, while the centration stabilization system uses different components optimized for positional centering. This local quality approach ensures each subsystem achieves its specific precision requirements without compromising the other.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate alignment and centration stabilization processing paths are implemented, then the alignment precision and centration precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stabilization processing into two independent paths: an alignment stabilization processing path with dedicated alignment sensors and actuators, and a centration stabilization processing path with dedicated centration sensors and actuators. This segmentation improves alignment and centration precision by eliminating cross-interference between the two functions, while the modular structure keeps the increase in device complexity manageable and organized.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the laser projection system operates in challenging environmental conditions, then the system versatility is improved, but the reliability of alignment and centration deteriorates due to thermal variations and mechanical vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary stabilization actions through active feedback control systems that continuously monitor alignment and centration using dedicated sensors and automatically correct deviations using actuators before they affect system performance. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the effects of thermal variations and mechanical vibrations, maintaining reliability in challenging environmental conditions while preserving environmental adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms in both the alignment stabilization processing path and the centration stabilization processing path, where sensors continuously monitor the actual alignment and centration states, and the control systems automatically adjust actuators to maintain desired precision. This feedback approach ensures reliable alignment and centration stability even when operating in diverse environmental conditions, enhancing both versatility and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
This document discusses apparatus and methods for aligning and centering an articulated laser projection system. In an example, a laser projection system can include an alignment stabilization system configured to align an optical path to a reference and a centration stabilization system configured to center the optical path within an aperture. The alignment stabilization system can have an alignment stabilization processing path configured to receive alignment information from an alignment sensor, and the centration stabilization system can have a centration stabilization processing path configured to receive centration information from a centration sensor.