Laser Scanner Light Patterning for Multiple Reflection Rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanners are unsuitable for accurately scanning complex and reflective objects due to multiple reflections, making it difficult to determine their shape and size.
Innovation Solution
Projecting a pattern of light onto the object that lacks reflection and rotational symmetry, allowing for the distinction and rejection of second- and higher-order reflections, enabling the detection of first-order reflections for accurate laser triangulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser line is projected onto a curved reflective object, then the object can be imaged, but multiple reflections are cast making accurate scanning impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects asymmetric patterns (such as lines at specific angles or non-symmetric shapes) onto the object. These asymmetric patterns create asymmetric reflection paths, allowing the system to distinguish between first-order reflections (direct) and second-order reflections (indirect/multiple). By using asymmetric geometry, the system can filter out harmful multiple reflections while preserving accurate measurement data from first-order reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the reflected light into different orders by analyzing the geometric characteristics of reflected patterns. The system divides the reflection information into first-order reflections (used for measurement) and second-order reflections (rejected as noise). This segmentation allows the system to process only the useful information while discarding the harmful multiple reflections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional laser scanning is used on reflective objects, then simple flat objects can be scanned, but complex curved reflective objects cannot be accurately scanned
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses asymmetric light patterns that interact differently with various surface geometries. By projecting asymmetric patterns and analyzing their reflections, the system can adapt to scan different object types (flat, curved, complex shapes) while maintaining measurement precision. The asymmetric patterns create distinctive reflection signatures that allow the system to identify and process data from complex curved reflective objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the projected light pattern (such as angle, shape, and orientation) to optimize the interaction with different object surfaces. By adjusting these parameters, the system can adapt to various object geometries and surface properties, enabling accurate scanning of complex reflective objects that were previously inaccessible to traditional laser scanners.
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 accurate determination of the shape and size of complex and reflective objects by distinguishing first-order reflections, overcoming the limitations of traditional laser scanners.
Implementation Method 1
projecting a pattern of light onto the object. The pattern of light can be configured such that first-order reflections can be distinguished from second- and/or higher-order reflections
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments described herein relate to optical systems and methods for determining the shape and/or size of objects that include projecting a pattern of light onto the object. The pattern of light can be configured such that first-order reflections can be distinguished from second- and/or higher-order reflections, which can be rejected. Thus, even in instances in which the pattern of light is reflected onto the object multiple times, the original, or first-order, reflection can be detected, distinguished, and/or used for laser triangulation. In some embodiments, a pattern of light that does not have reflection and/or rotational symmetry is projected onto the object, such that second-order and/or higher-order reflections can be distinguished from the first-order reflection.