Object Detection Combining Light Beams Single Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detection apparatuses face challenges in detecting objects from two-dimensional regions and those far away due to light beam truncation and reduced light intensity, especially when using a combination of rotation mirrors and multiple light sources.
Innovation Solution
An object detection apparatus with a deflection unit and multiple light sources, where the light beams from different sources are combined to travel a single optical path, avoiding beam truncation and maintaining light intensity by using a combining unit such as a polarization beam splitter and polarization state changers to ensure consistent polarization and transmission across a wide wavelength range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to increase detection capability for two-dimensional regions and distant objects, then the light intensity and detection capability are improved, but the light beams undergo truncation and the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light beams from different light sources by making them travel along the same optical path through the deflection unit. This merging of light paths allows multiple light sources to be used without increasing the apparatus size, as the combined beams share common optical components including the rotation mirror.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a polarization beam splitter to combine light beams by utilizing the polarization dimension. Light beams with different polarization states are combined in the same spatial path, effectively adding a dimensional degree of freedom (polarization state) to multiplex multiple light sources without requiring separate spatial paths.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to enhance light intensity for distant object detection, then the detection range is improved, but beam truncation occurs reducing light intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light beams into a single optical path before they reach the deflection unit. By combining the beams early in the optical path and maintaining them as separate but co-propagating beams through the rotation mirror, the system avoids truncation losses that would occur if multiple separate beams tried to pass through limited aperture spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a combining unit with polarization beam splitters as an intermediary component that mediates the interaction between multiple light sources and the deflection unit. This intermediary combines the light beams in a controlled manner, ensuring they all pass through the optical path without mutual interference or truncation, thereby preserving light intensity.
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 allows for effective detection of objects from two-dimensional regions and those far away without reducing light intensity or increasing the apparatus size, ensuring sufficient light is applied for accurate detection.
Implementation Method 1
combining unit configured to combine light beams emitted from the light source units
Implementation Method 2
polarization state changers to ensure consistent polarization and transmission across a wide wavelength range
Implementation Method 3
deflection unit including rotating reflection parts that deflect the light beams to scan and be irradiated on a predetermined range of an object
Data Source
AI summary
An object detection apparatus includes an incident optical system, which includes light source units and a combining unit combining light beams emitted from the light source units; a deflection unit including rotating reflection parts that deflect the light beams to scan and be irradiated on a predetermined range of an object; an imaging unit forming an image based on the light from the predetermined range of the object; and an optical detection unit detecting the object based on the light received via the imaging unit. Further the combining unit combines the light beams such that each of the combined light beams passes a single light path when projected onto a predetermined plane, and each of the light paths exists outside a region of the deflection unit when projected onto the first plane.