Multi-Laser Optical Path Length and Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors and devices that simultaneously scan multiple laser beams face challenges in accurately controlling and aligning the laser beams to achieve coincidence of light output, which is crucial for improved performance in sensing, mapping, and other tasks.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a detector for light output from multiple scanning lasers, means to control the lengths of light paths from the lasers to the detector, and means to adjust light path orientations to ensure coincidence of light output at different times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the light path lengths are changed over time, then the system can perform multiple sensing tasks with different path lengths, but maintaining coincidence of light output becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of light path orientations using adjustable mirrors or beam steering mechanisms. These components can change the orientation of light paths in real-time to compensate for changes in path lengths, ensuring that light from multiple lasers remains coincident at the detector regardless of the specific sensing task being performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of light paths dynamically. By adjusting the orientation angles of mirrors or beam steering components, the system maintains the spatial coincidence condition even when path lengths vary between different sensing operations, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision.
2Productivity
If multiple laser beams are scanned simultaneously, then productivity increases, but aligning and controlling the beams to achieve coincidence becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light paths into a single detection point using beam combining optics. Multiple laser beams are directed through separate paths with adjustable mirrors, and all paths are configured to converge at the same location on the detector, enabling simultaneous multi-task sensing while maintaining beam coincidence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the detector monitors the coincidence of light output from multiple lasers. This information is used to dynamically adjust the orientation of light paths, ensuring that despite the complexity of simultaneous beam scanning, the beams remain properly aligned and coincident throughout the sensing process.
3Measurement precision
If light path orientations are adjusted to maintain coincidence, then sensing accuracy is preserved, but the system requires more complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal adjustment mechanisms such as adjustable mirrors or beam steering components that can serve multiple functions. These same components are used both to direct light from different lasers and to fine-tune the orientation for coincidence, reducing the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each laser path while maintaining sensing accuracy.
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 apparatus effectively maintains coincidence of light output from multiple scanning lasers at both initial and altered light path lengths, enhancing the performance and accuracy of sensing and mapping tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a detector for detecting light output from a plurality of scanning lasers
Implementation Method 2
the means for controlling the respective lengths of the light paths comprise a light guide configured for the variation of optical path length
Implementation Method 3
changing the orientation of the light guide comprises rotating the light guide to change an angle of incidence of the light output from the plurality of scanning lasers on the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising: a detector for detecting light output from a plurality of scanning lasers; means for controlling respective lengths of light paths from the plurality of scanning lasers to the detector such that the respective lengths of the light paths are first lengths at a first time and second lengths, different to the first lengths, at a second time; and means for adjusting at least one light path orientation to obtain coincidence of the light output from the plurality of scanning lasers at the detector at the first time and at the second time.