Laser Ranging and Imaging Device with Beam Splitter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser ranging devices cannot display target images and are limited in their ability to measure distances in environments where the laser beam cannot change direction, such as inside machines or pipelines, making them difficult to use in various detecting environments.

Innovation Solution

An integrated device for laser ranging and imaging that includes a laser ranging module, a dual-branched fiber bundle, a beam splitter, and an image receiving module, which splits the reflected laser beam into two paths for distance measurement and image display, allowing for flexible light path adjustment and operation in challenging environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional laser ranging device is used, then distance measurement can be performed, but image display function is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement capabilityVSAvoidimage display function
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines distance measurement and image display functions into a single integrated device by merging the laser ranging module with the image receiving module, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously through shared optical components and separate processing paths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device achieves multi-functionality by enabling the same optical system to perform both ranging and imaging operations, where the beam splitter directs different portions of the reflected light to respective processing paths for distance measurement and image capture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the laser beam path is fixed in conventional devices, then device structure is simple, but adaptability to various detecting environments is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight path adjustabilityVSAvoidapplicability to detecting environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the light path system by incorporating a beam splitter that can direct light to different paths, and positioning the image receiving module to receive reflected beams at different angles, enabling the device to adapt to various detecting environments such as inside machines or pipelines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the laser beam cannot change direction, then the device structure is simple, but ranging operation in confined spaces becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam direction flexibilityVSAvoidranging operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic beam direction control through the beam splitter configuration, allowing the laser beam to be redirected at different angles to reach targets in confined spaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If reflected beams are not managed separately, then device structure is simple, but interference between ranging and imaging signals occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal path separationVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reflected beam into separate paths using a beam splitter, directing one portion to the ranging processing path and another portion to the image receiving module, thereby preventing signal interference between the two functions while maintaining clear signal paths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beam splitter acts as an intermediary component that separates the reflected light into distinct paths for ranging and imaging, preventing direct interference between the two signal streams while allowing both functions to operate from the same incident beam

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 distance measurement and image display of targets, reducing operational difficulties in diverse environments and allowing for shorter distance measurements, while preventing interference from reflected beams through the use of a light absorbing module.

Implementation Method 1

a first angle is defined between traveling directions of the first reflected beam and the second reflected beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The optical receiver receives a reflected beam from the target to generate a measurement signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

The light source is configured to provide a measuring beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 4

the target reflects the measuring beam to form the reflected beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 5

The image receiving module receives the second reflected beam and displays the image of the target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11487014B2Integrated device for laser ranging and imaging
Publication Date: 2022.11.01 NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIES
  • US11487014B2 patent drawing
  • US11487014B2 patent drawing
  • US11487014B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An integrated device includes a laser ranging module, a dual-branched fiber bundle, a beam splitter, and an image receiving module. The laser ranging module includes a light source, an optical receiver and a computing unit. The fiber bundle is disposed between the laser ranging module and the beam splitter. A target reflects a measuring beam emitted by the light source to form a reflected beam. The beam splitter splits the reflected beam into a first reflected beam and a second reflected beam. The first reflected beam is transmitted to the optical receiver through the fiber bundle to generate a measurement signal. The computing unit receives the measurement signal to calculate a distance between the target and the fiber bundle. The image receiving module is disposed on the optical path of the second reflected beam to receive the second reflected beam and displays the image of the target.