Optical Measuring Unit With Laser Wavelength Modulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical measurement technologies face interference issues due to micro-interference patterns caused by coherent laser light, which distort measurement results.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves varying the driver power, particularly the injection current and/or driver voltage, of the laser light source during image acquisition to increase the bandwidth of projected laser wavelengths, thereby reducing interference by modulating the wavelength rapidly and smearing out micro-interference points across the image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate measuring units are used to measure different properties (e.g., dimensions, shape, surface quality), then comprehensive measurement capability is achieved, but measurement time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measuring units (first measuring unit for dimensions, second measuring unit for shape, third measuring unit for surface quality) into a single integrated measuring device. This merging allows all measurements to be performed simultaneously in one operation, eliminating the need to move between separate devices and significantly reducing total measurement time while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring device is designed with multi-functionality, where a single device can perform multiple measurement tasks (dimensional measurement, shape measurement, surface quality measurement) using different measuring units integrated into one system. This universal design allows the device to adapt to various measurement requirements without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby reducing operational complexity and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate measuring units are used to measure different properties, then comprehensive measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple measuring units into a single measuring device with a unified structure. The first, second, and third measuring units are combined in one device, sharing common components such as the light source, detector, and control system. This merging reduces the overall number of separate devices needed, simplifies the measurement system, and reduces the space required for measurement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring device is designed as a universal system that can perform multiple measurement functions through its integrated measuring units. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple separate measuring devices, thereby reducing device complexity and operational overhead while maintaining the ability to measure various properties comprehensively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional measuring methods are used, then simple measurement processes are maintained, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient for modern requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical measurement methods with optical measurement methods. The measuring units use light sources and detectors to optically measure dimensions, shape, and surface quality, eliminating the need for complex mechanical contact-based measurement systems. This substitution maintains ease of operation while significantly improving measurement precision and reliability through non-contact optical detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs advanced optical parameters and detection methods to enhance measurement precision. By using optical parameters such as light reflection, transmission, and interference patterns, the system achieves high-precision measurements of various properties. This parameter change from mechanical to optical domains enables more accurate and reliable measurements while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach effectively reduces the coherence and visibility of micro-interference patterns, improving the accuracy and reliability of optical measurements by averaging out interference effects over short exposure times.

Implementation Method 1

a light source (20) and a detector (30), wherein the at least one measuring unit (10) comprises: an optical path configured to pass light from the light source (20) through the object to be measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4490468B1Measuring unit and method for optically measuring objects
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 CARL ZEISS GOM METROLOGY GMBH
  • EP4490468B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4490468B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4490468B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring apparatus (1) for optically measuring objects (2), having a camera (3) and a laser projection unit (4) which has a laser light source (5), wherein the laser projection unit (4) is designed to project laser light (L) onto an object (2) to be measured and the camera (3) is designed to record an image of the object (2) with the projected laser light (L), wherein the measuring apparatus (1) is designed to supply the at least one laser light source (5) with a driving power which varies during each exposure time of the camera (3), in particular a varying injection current and/or driving voltage, in order to increase the bandwidth of the projected laser wavelengths.