Polarization-Based Distance Measuring Device for Narrow Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measuring devices face limitations in miniaturization and accuracy when measuring narrow portions of objects, as they rely on mechanical mirror movements to change light direction, which restricts their ability to effectively measure shapes with narrow features.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring device incorporating a light emitting unit, first and second polarization state control units, and an optical path switching element, such as a polarization beam splitter or birefringence plate, to control and switch the emission direction of measurement light, allowing for precise measurement in multiple directions without the need for mechanical mirror movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a mechanical mirror is used to change the direction of measurement light, then the light direction can be changed, but the housing portion cannot be miniaturized and measurement of narrow portions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror system with an optical path switching element that uses polarization control to redirect light. Instead of physically moving a mirror, the system uses polarization-dependent optical elements to switch between different measurement directions, enabling miniaturization while maintaining the ability to measure narrow portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization state of light as a control parameter to switch measurement directions. By controlling the polarization state rather than mechanical position, the system achieves direction switching without mechanical movement, allowing for a compact housing that can still access narrow measurement areas.
2Volume of moving object
If the housing portion is miniaturized, then the device becomes more compact, but the ability to measure narrow portions is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical direction-changing components with polarization-based optical switching, enabling miniaturization of the housing while preserving measurement precision through non-mechanical optical control.
3Device complexity
If mechanical components are used for direction control, then the structure is simple, but the device complexity increases due to movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical movement mechanisms by using polarization state control and optical path switching elements. This substitution removes complex mechanical components while maintaining operational simplicity through electrical or optical control of polarization states.
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 accurate distance measurement of narrow portions and shapes by controlling light polarization and direction, enhancing the device's ability to capture detailed three-dimensional information without the size constraints of mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarization state control unit that controls a polarization state of the measurement light output from the light emitting unit
Implementation Method 2
a second polarization state control unit that controls the polarization state of the measurement light of which a polarization state is controlled by the first polarization state control unit
Implementation Method 3
an optical path switching element that selects an emission direction of the measurement light of which a polarization state is controlled by the second polarization state control unit
Implementation Method 4
the optical path switching element receives a reflected light obtained by reflecting the emitted measurement light by an object
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring device includes a light emitting unit that outputs a measurement light, a first polarization state control unit that controls a polarization state of the measurement light output from the light emitting unit, a second polarization state control unit that controls the polarization state of the measurement light of which a polarization state is controlled by the first polarization state control unit, and an optical path switching element that selects an emission direction of the measurement light of which a polarization state is controlled by the second polarization state control unit, in which the second polarization state control unit controls the polarization state of the measurement light so that the measurement lights are emitted from the optical path switching element in a plurality of the emission directions, and the optical path switching element receives a reflected light obtained by reflecting the emitted measurement light by an object.