Optical Scanning Probe for 3D Data Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating three-dimensional (3D) data, such as infrared scanning, face challenges in measuring oblique surfaces and are limited by noise due to the need to radiate infrared rays over all regions with limited power.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanning probe that scans light from a fixed light emitter, changing the optical path based on the object's shape, using a distance calculation processor and depth image generation processor to generate 3D data, with an optical scanner and collimating lens, and noise removal methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If infrared rays are radiated into all regions to generate 3D image data, then complete coverage of the measurement area is achieved, but noise increases due to limited infrared power being distributed across all regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement space into multiple regions and assigns different infrared emission priorities to each region. High-priority regions (e.g., areas with objects of interest) receive stronger infrared radiation, while low-priority regions receive reduced or no radiation. This segmentation allows complete measurement coverage while concentrating power in critical areas, thereby reducing overall noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the infrared emission intensity based on the importance of different spatial regions. Instead of uniform radiation across all areas, the system adjusts emission strength locally according to predefined priority levels, ensuring high-quality measurements where needed while minimizing noise in less critical regions.
2Device complexity
If a fixed light emitter is used with optical path scanning, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised compared to moving sensor approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by keeping the light emitter fixed and moving the optical scanning components instead. Rather than moving the emitter or sensor, the system uses optical scanning to redirect light paths from the fixed emitter to different regions, achieving measurement precision through optical path control while maintaining a simple emitter configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical scanning components as intermediaries between the fixed light emitter and the measurement target. These intermediaries (optical scanners, mirrors, or prisms) redirect the light paths to scan across different regions, enabling precise depth measurement without requiring the emitter itself to move or become complex.
3Measurement precision
If infrared patterns are scanned over the front view, then depth measurement is enabled, but a minimum distance must be maintained and oblique surfaces cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the optical scanning paths adjustable and reconfigurable. The optical scanners can dynamically change their scanning angles and patterns to adapt to different object geometries, enabling measurement of oblique surfaces and varying the minimum distance requirements based on the specific measurement scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes measurement parameters such as optical path angles, scanning patterns, and emission intensities based on the detected object characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system can measure oblique surfaces effectively and adapt the minimum distance requirements to match the specific measurement needs, enhancing versatility while maintaining precision.
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 precise 3D data generation with improved signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for accurate depth measurement even with weak light emission, and adaptable scanning types for various object shapes.
Implementation Method 1
The optical scanner may be a two-dimensional (2D) micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) mirror scanner which reflects the light generated from the light emitter
Implementation Method 2
The optical scanner may include an optical probe through which the light generated from the light emitter passes, and an optical lens that refracts the light that passes through the optical probe
Implementation Method 3
The optical scanning probe may include a collimating lens that is disposed between the light emitter and the optical scanner, refracts the light generated from the light emitter at a predetermined angle and allows the refracted light to be incident on the optical scanner
Implementation Method 4
a distance calculation controller that calculates a distance between the optical scanning probe and the object to be measured by calculating a time difference between the light received by the emission-side light receiving part and the light received by the reflection-side light receiving part
Implementation Method 5
The optical scanner may have a type of a piezo tube actuator that controls the optical probe by driving a piezoelectric device
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning probe and an apparatus to generate three-dimensional (3D) data using the same are provided. The apparatus to generate 3D data includes an optical scanning probe that scans light generated from a light emitter over an object to be measured, a distance calculation processor that calculates a distance between the optical scanning probe and the object to be measured, based on the light scanned over the object to be measured and light reflected from the object to be measured; and a depth image generation processor that generates 3D data based on a scanning direction of the optical scanning probe and the distance between the optical scanning probe and the object to be measured.