Scanner Using Oscillating Micro Mirror for Compact 3D Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D scanners require area or line cameras for detection, which are expensive, mechanically sensitive, and consume significant space, and their control mechanisms are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A scanner system using a projector with a point-shaped light source and a collector micro mirror oscillating in two dimensions, combined with a point-shaped light detector, allows for the detection of a surface relief without the need for area or line cameras, enabling a compact, cost-effective, and mechanically robust setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If area or line cameras are used for detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function by using multiple point-shaped light detectors instead of a single area camera. Each detector captures light from a specific spatial position, and the collective data from multiple detectors reconstructs the full 3D surface information, thereby achieving high measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of area camera control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical control systems required for area and line cameras with a stationary array of point-shaped detectors. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical scanning and control mechanisms while maintaining detection capability through the spatial arrangement and signal processing of multiple simple detectors
2Measurement precision
If area or line cameras are used for detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent point-shaped light detectors, each of which is simpler and cheaper to manufacture than area or line cameras. The segmented architecture allows for lower individual component costs while achieving equivalent or superior measurement precision through computational reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive point-shaped light detectors that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to area or line cameras. These simpler detectors use less sophisticated sensors and optics, reducing material and manufacturing expenses while still providing the necessary detection functionality when used in arrays
3Measurement precision
If area or line cameras are used for detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented across multiple compact point-shaped detectors that can be arranged in a space-efficient configuration. This segmentation allows the system to achieve area-camera-level measurement precision while occupying significantly less physical space, as point detectors have much smaller form factors than area camera sensors and associated optics
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 approach enables high-resolution 3D surface relief detection in a space-saving and cost-effective manner, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms and expensive imaging sensors, while enhancing mechanical robustness and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a projector (10) configured to guide a light beam (20) in an illumination line (34) over a surface relief (38)
Implementation Method 2
the collector micro mirror being oscillatingly arranged in a first direction of the illumination line and in a second direction differing from the first direction such that a reflection of the illuminated location within a scan area of the collector micro mirror is imagable by it onto the point-shaped light detector
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner for providing a possibility of detecting a surface relief of an object includes a projector configured to guide a light beam in an illumination line over the surface relief to obtain an illuminated location on the surface relief, the projector being further configured to output a projection signal from which a position of the light beam in the illumination line is derivable. Additionally, the scanner includes a collector having a collector micro mirror stimulatable to oscillate in two dimensions and a point-shaped light detector, the collector micro mirror being oscillatingly arranged in a first direction of the illumination line and in a second direction differing from the first direction such that a reflection of the illuminated location within a scan area of the micro scanner mirror is imagable by it onto the point-shaped light detector, and the collector being configured to output a detection signal from which a position of the illuminated location in the first and second directions is derivable.