Optical Scanning with Dichroic Paths for Wider Measurement Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanning apparatuses and object detection systems have limited measurement viewing angles, which restrict their effectiveness in detecting objects over a wide area.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a light source with multiple light-emitting units emitting lights with different optical characteristics, combined with optical elements like dichroic mirrors or reflective polarizers, to widen the measurement viewing angle by deflecting and directing laser lights in various directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single light source is used in the optical scanning apparatus, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement viewing angle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is segmented into multiple light-emitting units (first light-emitting unit and second light-emitting unit), each emitting light with different optical characteristics. This segmentation allows each unit to be directed at different angles by the optical elements, thereby expanding the overall measurement viewing angle without requiring a single complex adjustable light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements (first optical element and second optical element) are designed with multi-functionality: the first optical element reflects first light and transmits second light, while the second optical element reflects second light and transmits first light. This universal design allows a single optical path structure to handle multiple light sources and directions, expanding viewing angles without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light-emitting units with different optical characteristics are used, then the measurement viewing angle is widened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light-emitting units and optical elements are merged into a single integrated optical scanning apparatus. The first and second light-emitting units are combined with their corresponding optical elements in one compact system, allowing the expanded viewing angle functionality to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall device complexity through shared structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements serve as intermediaries between the multiple light-emitting units and the deflector. These intermediary components manage the complex light path interactions, reflecting and transmitting different lights appropriately, thereby enabling the system to handle multiple light sources without requiring complex direct control mechanisms for each unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical elements with wavelength-selective reflection and transmission are used, then the measurement viewing angle is expanded, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each optical element is designed with local quality specific to its function: the first optical element has reflection characteristics optimized for first light wavelength while transmission characteristics for second light wavelength, and vice versa for the second optical element. This localized optimization allows each component to be manufactured with precision targeted at its specific optical characteristics rather than requiring all components to meet uniform high precision standards.
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 a wider measurement viewing angle, enhancing the ability to detect objects over a larger area, as demonstrated by the ±60° horizontal and ±6° vertical angle expansion.
Implementation Method 1
the first optical element has optical characteristics of reflecting the first light and transmitting the second light
Implementation Method 2
the second optical element has optical characteristics of reflecting the second light and transmitting the first light
Implementation Method 3
a deflector; a light source having at least a first light-emitting unit that emits a first light and a second light-emitting unit that emits a second light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning apparatus used for detecting an object by irradiating light and receiving the reflected light including: a deflector; a light source having a first light-emitting unit that emits a first light and a second light-emitting unit that emits a second light having optical characteristics different from that of the first light; a first optical element disposed so that the first light emitted from the first light-emitting unit is incident thereon and reflects the first light and causes it to be incident on the deflector; a second optical element disposed so that the second light emitted from the second light-emitting unit is incident thereon and reflects the second light and causes it to be incident on the deflector; where the first optical element reflects the first light and transmits the second light, and where the second optical element reflects the second light and transmits the first light.