Laser Scanner With Integrated Aperture Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser scanners require multiple optical components, leading to increased size and complexity, and struggle to accurately measure distance with faint reflected light due to the need for separate components to separate light paths for transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
A compact laser scanner design where the scanning mirror incorporates both reflective surfaces at different angles to separate light paths for transmission and reception, eliminating the need for additional optical components like mirrors with apertures, allowing for flexible placement of the light source and photodetector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mirror with an aperture and a scanning mirror are provided as individual components, then the light path separation function is achieved, but the number of optical components increases and the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mirror with aperture and the scanning mirror into a single integrated scanning mirror. The scanning mirror includes a reflective surface with an aperture formed therein, merging the light path separation function (previously requiring a separate mirror with aperture) and the scanning function (performed by the scanning mirror) into one component. This reduces the number of optical components while maintaining the light path separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated scanning mirror performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a scanning mirror to deflect laser light toward the target object, serves as a beam splitter with its aperture to separate the light transmission path from the light reception path, and functions as a reflective surface for both outgoing and returning light. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical components.
2Measurement precision
If the surface area of the reflective surface of the scanning mirror is increased to improve distance measurement accuracy, then the accuracy improves, but the optical components must be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the aperture dimension to solve the contradiction. By forming an aperture in the reflective surface, the mirror achieves effective light path separation without requiring a large lateral separation distance between components. The aperture provides a third dimension (through-the-mirror direction) for light transmission, allowing compact arrangement of optical components while maintaining sufficient reflective surface area for accurate light collection and measurement.
3Measurement precision
If a separate component for condensing reflected light is provided, then the faint reflected light can be condensed for detection, but the number of optical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the condensing function into the photodetector assembly rather than using a separate condensing lens or mirror. The photodetector is positioned to directly receive reflected light through the aperture, and the aperture itself acts as a light-gathering structure. This integration eliminates separate condensing components while maintaining the ability to detect faint reflected light effectively.
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
This configuration reduces the number of optical components, resulting in a more compact scanner that enhances distance measurement accuracy by effectively managing faint reflected light and preventing interference between light source and photodetector positions.
Implementation Method 1
The scanning mirror reflects the laser light emitted from the light source toward a target object... The laser light reflected from the target object is reflected by the scanning mirror
Implementation Method 2
the first reflective surface and at least part of the second reflective surface are disposed at mutually different angles, the scanning mirror can separate a light path for the light transmitting system, which is the path of laser light from the light source, from a light path for the light receiving system
Implementation Method 3
The laser light reflected from the target object... is received (detected) by a photodetector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A laser scanner includes a light source 4, a scanning mirror 6, and a first photodetector 12. The scanning mirror 6 includes: a first reflective surface 26 reflects the laser light from the light source 4; and a second reflective surface 30 that reflects, toward the photodetector 12, the laser light reflected from the target object 20. The first reflective surface 26 and at least part of the second reflective surface 30 are disposed at mutually different angles. When a first optical axis passing through the target object 20 and the first reflective surface 26 is parallel with a second optical axis passing through the target object 20 and the second reflective surface 30, a third optical axis passing through the first reflective surface 26 and the light source 4 and a fourth optical axis passing through the second reflective surface 30 and the photodetector 12 are at a predetermined angle relative to one another.