Projection System Optical Axis Alignment for Safety Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projection systems using laser light sources face challenges with blind spots in safety detection systems, particularly near the lens or light source, and require adjustments whenever the projection setup changes, such as with different lenses or zoom positions.

Innovation Solution

Aligning the optical axis of the detection source and sensor with the projection light source ensures complete overlap of detection and projection cones, eliminating blind spots and allowing for integrated detection within the projection lens system, using Time of Flight sensors and infra-red light sources for precise detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple detection sources and cameras are placed around the projection source, then blind spots near the projection source are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidnumber of detection components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection light source (4) and detection sensor (7) are merged into a single detection system that shares the same optical axis, eliminating the need for multiple separate detection components while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting objects in the projection cone, detecting reflective objects, and adapting to different projection configurations through a single integrated unit that moves with the projection lens

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

2Ease of operation

If the detection system is placed separately from the projection lens system, then detection can be performed, but the system requires manual adjustment when projection setup changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system setupVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is integrated with the projection lens system by mounting it on the same housing, ensuring that both systems move together as a unified assembly, eliminating the need for separate adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system is designed to dynamically follow the projection lens movements, maintaining alignment automatically as the lens is repositioned or zoomed, rather than requiring static fixed-position detection components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the detection cone does not overlap completely with the projection cone, then blind spots exist in the protected space, but aligning the optical axes requires precise positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection completenessVSAvoidoptical axis alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection light source and detection sensor are merged into a collimated detection system where the detection cone naturally overlaps the projection cone when both share the same optical axis, eliminating blind spots without requiring complex positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary component that allows the detection light to travel along the same optical path as the projection light, facilitating automatic optical axis alignment between the detection and projection systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution ensures comprehensive detection of objects within the protected space, including reflective areas, without blind spots and allows for automatic adjustments with lens changes, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in projection systems.

Implementation Method 1

a detection source light (4) and a detection sensor (7)... detecting the presence of a person or an animal in the space where the projection cone can expose the person or animal with excessive laser light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

using Time of Flight sensors and infra-red light sources for precise detection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP2895919B1Projection system with safety detection
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 BARCO NV
  • EP2895919B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2895919B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~4
  • EP2895919B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A projection system is disclosed including a safety detection system for a protected space, said projection system including a projection light source, a projection imaging system, a projection lens system, a detection source comprising at least of a detection light source and a detection camera comprising at least of a detection sensor, characterized by the fact that the optical axis of the projection source is identical to the optical axis of the detection source and the detection camera at least in the protected space.