Predictive Laser Beam Blocking for Moving Target Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser systems lack effective mechanisms to prevent inadvertent illumination of people and assets, posing hazards in various applications such as laser ranging, imaging, and weapons systems.
Innovation Solution
A laser system comprising a laser, mount, sensor, and controller that monitors the location of both the target object and potential second objects, using safety zones and predictive calculations to prevent laser beam illumination of hazardous objects by adjusting the laser's path or shutting down the beam before it intersects with protected areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the laser beam is used to illuminate the target first object while the target first object moves relative to the laser, then the laser system can track and illuminate moving targets effectively, but the laser beam may inadvertently illuminate other objects (second objects) that are not the intended target
Solution Approach 1:
The controller determines the paths of both the target object and second objects, and preemptively blocks the laser beam before it can illuminate non-target objects. This preliminary action prevents the harmful effect before it occurs by calculating potential illumination paths and intercepting the beam in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the laser and the target objects. It receives data from sensors about object locations, calculates illumination paths, and controls the laser mount or beam to prevent inadvertent illumination of non-target objects while maintaining effective target illumination.
2Reliability
If the controller blocks the laser beam to prevent illumination of the second object, then safety is improved, but the laser system cannot illuminate the target object when the second object is in the path
Solution Approach 1:
The laser mount is configured to move the laser relative to an axis to dynamically track the target object as it moves. The system continuously adjusts the beam direction to maintain illumination of the target while avoiding second objects, allowing the laser to adapt its position and orientation in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller determines if the second object would be illuminated by the laser beam based on predicted paths, and generates instructions to block the laser before it emits the beam if illumination of the second object is predicted. This allows the system to maintain safety while minimizing unnecessary beam interruptions.
3Reliability
If the controller continuously monitors object locations and calculates paths to prevent inadvertent illumination, then safety is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is configured to generate data indicative of the location of objects, which the controller uses for multiple purposes: tracking the target object for illumination purposes and identifying second objects for safety purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated safety sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses the same sensor data that tracks the target object for the dual purpose of safety monitoring. The system serves itself by utilizing existing tracking data for safety calculations, eliminating the need for completely separate safety monitoring infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser safety system adapted to prevent inadvertent illumination of people and assets. The laser safety system configured to emit a laser beam with a laser and determine a path of a target object relative to the laser safety system. The laser safety system configured to cause the laser beam to illuminate the target object while the target object moves along the path.