Laser Weeder Optics With Half-Mirror Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile weeders face challenges in accurately controlling the irradiation position of laser beams due to the distance between the camera and laser irradiation device, leading to reduced accuracy and requiring complex correction processes.
Innovation Solution
A mobile removal device with a camera, laser oscillator, controller, and guide portion, including a half mirror, where the camera captures the ground through the half mirror, allowing the laser beam reflection position to be aligned with the imaging range, thereby optimizing the irradiation position control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the laser irradiation device is installed at the lower part of the body distanced from the camera, then the device structure is simplified, but the irradiation position accuracy is reduced and complex correction processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera and laser irradiation device positions by installing both on the lower part of the body at the same location. This spatial merging eliminates the distance between components, allowing the camera to directly capture the ground area where the laser will irradiate, thereby maintaining high irradiation position accuracy while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective plate as an intermediary component positioned between the laser irradiation device and the ground. The reflective plate reflects the laser beam onto the ground at the captured position, enabling the camera to accurately identify the irradiation target while the laser device remains at the optimized lower part position.
2Area of stationary object
If the camera and laser irradiation device are positioned far apart, then the field of view is expanded, but the irradiation position control becomes complex and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera and laser irradiation device at the same lower part position, creating a unified detection-irradiation system. This merging ensures that the camera's field of view directly corresponds to the laser irradiation area, eliminating the need for complex position control algorithms while maintaining accurate irradiation targeting.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective plate creates an optical copy of the laser beam path, allowing the camera to capture the ground area that will be irradiated without requiring the laser device to be physically positioned at the capture location. This copying mechanism simplifies position control while expanding the effective field of view.
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 enables precise detection and control of the laser beam irradiation position, reducing processing complexity and enhancing accuracy in identifying and removing hindrances like undesirable plants.
Implementation Method 1
The guide portion includes a half mirror. The camera is configured to capture the ground through the half mirror.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a mobile removal device configured to irradiate, with a laser beam, a hindrance capable of inhibiting plant growth. The mobile removal device includes a camera, a laser oscillator, a controller, and a guide portion. The laser oscillator is configured to output a laser beam. The controller is configured to detect the hindrance on the ground based on a captured image taken by the camera and to irradiate the hindrance with the laser beam. The guide portion is configured to guide the laser beam output by the laser oscillator. The guide portion also includes a half mirror. The camera is configured to capture the ground through the half mirror.