Optical Axis Adjustment Using Image Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting the optical axis of an optical beam to a light-receiving location are not capable of achieving high precision and speed, particularly due to the need for multiple steps and monitoring of light intensity.
Innovation Solution
An optical axis adjustment apparatus and method that uses a deflector, an image sensor, and a processor to capture images of a target surface with a predetermined light-receiving location indicated by a figure, allowing for precise adjustment of the deflection to align the light-receiving location with a reference location corresponding to the primary optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical axis adjustment is performed using light-receiving level monitoring, then the adjustment can be performed, but the precision and speed of adjustment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an image of the target surface, creating a visual copy of the light-receiving location. This image copy allows precise determination of the light-receiving position without requiring complex intensity monitoring, thereby improving both precision and speed of optical axis adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical intensity monitoring system with an image-based detection system. By using a camera to capture and process images of the target surface, the system achieves more precise and faster adjustment compared to traditional light-receiving level monitoring methods.
2Reliability
If two steps of optical axis adjustment are performed to change directivity, then the adjustment can be completed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical axis adjustment process with image capture and processing. By capturing an image of the target surface and processing this image to determine the light-receiving location, the system combines multiple adjustment steps into a single integrated process, reducing complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the captured image is processed to determine the light-receiving position, and this information is fed back to adjust the optical axis. This single-step feedback loop eliminates the need for multiple sequential adjustment steps, simplifying the overall process while ensuring reliability.
3Ease of operation
If light intensity monitoring is used for adjustment, then the adjustment can be performed, but the monitoring requires additional equipment and complexity at the receiving side
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of monitoring light intensity at the receiving side to perform adjustment, the patent inverts the approach by capturing an image of the target surface (which includes the light-receiving location) and using this visual information to determine the correct optical axis alignment. This inversion eliminates the need for complex intensity monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary - the captured image - that mediates between the optical axis adjustment and the light-receiving location. By processing this intermediate image data, the system can determine the correct alignment without requiring direct intensity monitoring, thereby simplifying the overall system 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
Enables highly accurate and quick optical axis adjustment without the need to monitor light intensity at the receiving side, allowing for precise alignment of the optical beam.
Implementation Method 1
a deflector that deflects an incoming light beam to output an outgoing light beam to a target surface
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor that captures the target surface through the deflector to output a captured image of the target surface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical axis adjustment apparatus includes: a deflector that deflects an incoming light beam to output an outgoing light beam to a target surface. The target surface includes a predetermined light-receiving location that is indicated by a predetermined figure displayed on the target surface. An image sensor captures the target surface through the deflector to output a captured image of the target surface. At least one processor extracts the predetermined figure from the captured image; detects the predetermined light-receiving location from the predetermined figure; and adjusts a deflection of the deflector so that the predetermined light-receiving location coincides with a reference location on the captured image of the target surface, wherein the reference location corresponds to a location of a primary optical axis of the incoming light beam on the captured image.