Laser Weeder Optics With Coaxial Camera Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mobile weeder devices face complications in the correction process for the irradiation position of the laser beam due to the distance between the camera and the laser irradiation device, necessitating complex calculations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile removal device with a camera, laser oscillator, controller, and guide portion, including reflectors such as galvanometer mirrors and dichroic mirrors, is configured to simplify the correction process by aligning the optical axes of the camera and laser beam, allowing for precise control and feedback using captured images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera and laser irradiation device are positioned at different locations, then the device structure is flexible and can accommodate various configurations, but the correction process for the irradiation position becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical axes of the camera and laser irradiation device by positioning the camera at the laser irradiation position. This integration eliminates the need for complex correction calculations while maintaining the ability to control laser irradiation direction through the guide portion, thus resolving the contradiction between configuration flexibility and correction process complexity
2Device complexity
If the camera is positioned close to the laser irradiation device, then the correction process is simplified, but the device structure becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path by introducing a beam splitter that separates the camera optical path from the laser irradiation path. This allows the camera to be positioned at the laser irradiation position (simplifying correction) while maintaining structural flexibility through the beam splitter mechanism that enables independent optimization of both optical paths
3Manufacturing precision
If the optical axes of camera and laser beam are aligned, then the correction calculation is simplified, but the device requires precise alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-alignment through the beam splitter configuration where the camera optical axis and laser beam path are naturally aligned by the geometric arrangement of the beam splitter. This eliminates the need for complex active alignment mechanisms while ensuring precise optical axis alignment, thus resolving the contradiction between calculation precision and alignment mechanism complexity
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 simplifies the correction process for the laser beam irradiation position, enabling accurate and efficient removal of hindrances like weeds by aligning the optical axes and using blue laser beams for effective weed removal even in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The guide portion includes one or more reflectors configured to reflect the laser beam
Implementation Method 2
The specific reflector may be configured as a dichroic mirror
Implementation Method 3
The laser oscillator is configured to output a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a mobile removal device. The mobile removal device includes a camera, a laser oscillator, a controller, and a guide portion. The guide portion includes one or more reflectors configured to reflect a laser beam. At least one of the one or more reflectors is a specific reflector having a function of reflecting the laser beam and a function of transmitting a light that can be captured by the camera. The camera is arranged so that an optical axis of the camera passes through the specific reflector in an area where the laser beam does not pass through.