Laser Safety Eyewear with Heads-Up Display for Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser safety eyewear prevents operators from viewing laser light, especially at lower power settings, requiring higher power operation which is hazardous and inefficient for alignment tasks, and existing solutions for laser alignment are cumbersome and lack cross-applicability.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted apparatus combining safety eyewear with an optical display that processes laser data to provide a visual representation of the laser beam, allowing alignment at low power settings without additional equipment, featuring removable filters and augmented reality capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser safety eyewear is used to block laser light transmission, then eye protection is improved, but the ability to view laser light for alignment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines laser safety eyewear with a heads-up display (HUD) system into a single integrated device. The HUD receives laser alignment data from external sensors and projects visual representations of the laser beam path directly into the operator's field of view through the safety eyewear lenses, merging protection and visualization functions in one system
Solution Approach 2:
The HUD acts as an intermediary between the external laser alignment sensors and the operator's eyes. It receives raw laser data from external sources, processes it, and presents it as intuitive visual overlays through the safety eyewear, enabling alignment capability without compromising eye protection
2Illumination intensity
If laser viewing cards are used to emit fluorescence for beam location, then laser visibility is improved, but the energy threshold requirement increases laser power setting
Solution Approach 1:
External sensors act as intermediaries to detect laser light at low power levels and convert it into electrical signals. These signals are then processed and displayed by the HUD system, eliminating the need for high-power fluorescence cards while maintaining beam visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical fluorescence emission system with an electronic detection and display system. Sensors detect the laser beam and the HUD electronically renders its position, replacing the need for high-energy fluorescent materials
3Ease of operation
If video cameras or separate monitors are used for remote laser viewing, then laser alignment capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safety eyewear, display system, and laser detection capabilities into a single head-mounted unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate video cameras, external monitors, and alignment equipment that would otherwise be required
Solution Approach 2:
The head-mounted device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides laser eye protection, detects laser beam position, processes alignment data, and displays visual feedback. This multi-functionality replaces multiple separate devices with a single universal tool
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 safe and efficient laser beam alignment at low power settings, reducing equipment damage and operator risk while providing real-time visualization and adjustable settings for various laser types.
Implementation Method 1
The safety eyewear component may be configured to be worn on the head of an operator and to block transmission of light from a laser therethrough
Implementation Method 2
block transmission of light from a laser therethrough
Implementation Method 3
The optical display may be configured to receive data associated with the light from a laser and display a visual representation of the laser in a field of view of the operator
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain examples, a head-mounted apparatus includes a safety eyewear component and an optical display coupled to the safety eyewear component. The safety eyewear component is configured to be worn of a head of an operator and to block transmission of a laser light therethrough. The optical display is configured to receive data associated with the laser light and to display a visual representation of the laser light in a field of view of the operator. In other examples, an apparatus includes a display, a sensor, at least one processor and at least one memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive, from the sensor, data associated with a laser light, process the data, and provide an image to the display, such as a representation of the laser light.