Multi-Wavelength Laser Sensor System for Material Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems face limitations in versatility due to their reliance on single-wavelength illumination, which can impair object detection based on material properties, leading to reduced effectiveness across various applications.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system incorporating an illumination device that emits laser radiation across multiple wavelengths, allowing the detector device to capture electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths, thereby increasing the range of materials that can be detected and enhancing versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-wavelength illumination device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the versatility and detection capability across different materials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser diodes with different emission wavelengths into a single illumination device. This merging approach allows the system to detect multiple material types (such as both dark and light materials) using one integrated device rather than requiring separate single-wavelength devices, thereby improving versatility while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating laser diodes that emit at different wavelengths (e.g., 905 nm and 1550 nm). This enables the single device to serve multiple detection purposes across different material types and application scenarios, achieving universal adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelengths are emitted, then the detection versatility improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device employs dynamic wavelength selection by activating only the specific laser diode(s) needed for the current detection task. Rather than continuously operating all wavelength sources, the system can dynamically switch between 905 nm, 1550 nm, or other wavelengths based on the required detection scenario, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining detection versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different wavelength combinations based on detection requirements. For example, it may use only 905 nm for certain applications, only 1550 nm for others, or both simultaneously when needed, optimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary wavelength emissions
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 achieves improved detection capabilities by emitting laser radiation with a line spectrum that includes multiple emission lines, reducing the risk of material-based detection impairments and enabling use in diverse applications such as collision warning systems and night vision devices.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination device (10) is intended to emit laser radiation of a first wavelength and laser radiation of a second wavelength that differs from the first
Implementation Method 2
The detector device (20) is provided to detect electromagnetic radiation of the first and the second wavelength
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A sensor system (S) comprising an illumination device (1) and a detector device (D) is described. The illumination device (1, 3) is designed to emit laser radiation of a first wavelength (L11, L12) and laser radiation of a second wavelength different from the first (L21, L22). The detector device is designed to detect electromagnetic radiation of the first and second wavelengths.