Laser Scanner Window with Diffusing Features for Visual Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the presence, position, direction, and distance of objects using laser scanners lack effective visual indicators that can communicate information to users across a wide range of angles.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanner system that incorporates a window with diffusing features for visual indicators, allowing for the illumination of various portions of the window to provide directional and distance information to users, while maintaining the integrity of the sensor light path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional visual indicators are used in laser scanner systems, then the system structure becomes more complex and costly, but the communication of presence, direction, and distance information to users across wide angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The window is designed to serve dual functions: as a protective cover for the sensor and as a visual indicator surface. By integrating the visual indicator function into the existing window structure, the system avoids adding separate indicator components, thereby reducing complexity while improving information communication to users about object presence, direction, and distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the visual indicator elements directly onto the window surface, merging the indicator function with the protective window structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate indicator assemblies and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective visual communication across wide angles.
2Loss of information
If visual indicators are added to communicate object information, then the system complexity and cost increase, but the existing indicators do not provide adequate directional and distance information
Solution Approach 1:
The window surface is divided into multiple selectable regions that can be independently illuminated to encode different information. By segmenting the visual indicator into distinct zones corresponding to different directions and distances, the system communicates comprehensive spatial information using a single integrated window structure rather than multiple separate indicators.
3Device complexity
If the window is used for both sensor protection and visual indication, then the diffusing features may interfere with sensor light path, but this approach eliminates additional indicator components
Solution Approach 1:
The window is designed with spatially varying properties: certain regions contain diffusing features for visual indication while other regions maintain optical clarity for sensor operation. By applying diffusing features only in specific local areas where visual indication is needed, the system preserves the integrity of the sensor light path while still providing effective visual communication in designated zones.
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
The system effectively communicates presence, direction, and distance information to users through visible visual indicators, enhancing user awareness and safety without adding complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
a window (122) with diffusing features for visual indicators
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser scanner can include a housing, a window, and a light emitting system, which can output laser pulses of a first wavelength through the window. A light detection system can receive light of the laser pulses that is reflected by an object through the window and direct the received light to an optical sensor that generates electrical signals from the received light. A controller can make a determination regarding a presence or position of the object based on the electrical signals. The scanner can have one or more light sources for illuminating the window with light of a second wavelength. The window can have diffusing features configured to diffuse the output light of the second wavelength. The controller can operate the one or more light sources in response to the determination regarding the presence or position of the object to provide a visual indication of the determination.