3D Scanner Optical Path for Parallax Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanning devices face challenges with parallax errors and space utilization in integrating color information, leading to inefficiencies in data collection and shadowing effects.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of a color camera on the same side of the rotary mirror as the receiver lens, combined with a dichroic emission mirror and a central mirror, allows for parallel light beam reflection, reducing parallax and optimizing space usage, while a hybrid rotor design maintains balance and reduces shadowing effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a color camera is arranged on the optical axis behind the receiver lens, then color information can be captured, but parallax errors occur and space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the color camera behind the receiver lens (conventional arrangement), the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the color camera on the same side of the rotary mirror as the receiver lens, on the optical axis. This inversion eliminates parallax errors because both the light receiver and color camera now capture data from the same angle and side, while still allowing color information to be captured.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical axis dimension by arranging the color camera precisely on this axis, separate from the conventional placement behind the receiver lens. This dimensional repositioning allows the color camera to share the same spatial reference frame as the light receiver, eliminating parallax while maintaining color capture capability.
2Volume of moving object
If a rear mirror is provided on the optical axis behind the receiver lens, then space can be better utilized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested optical paths by placing the color camera on the optical axis within the space defined by the receiver lens and rotary mirror assembly. The rear mirror is positioned to reflect light back through the receiver lens, creating a nested optical structure that efficiently utilizes available space while maintaining functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components, particularly the receiver lens and rear mirror, serve multiple functions: the receiver lens focuses light for the light receiver and also transmits light to the color camera on the optical axis. The rear mirror reflects light back through the receiver lens. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing complexity while improving space utilization.
3Measurement precision
If the light receiver is positioned to capture reflected light, then distance measurement is possible, but shadowing effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the receiver lens as an intermediary optical element that focuses reflected light onto the light receiver while also allowing light to pass through to the color camera on the optical axis. This intermediary lens system enables distance measurement through the light receiver while simultaneously providing color information without creating shadowing effects, as the light paths are carefully managed through the lens and mirror system.
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 configuration minimizes parallax errors, enhances space efficiency, and allows for accurate color data collection with improved focusing capabilities, enabling more precise and comprehensive environmental scanning.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver lens reproduces the reception light beam on a light receiver
Implementation Method 2
A rotary mirror which rotates and which comprises a polished plate of a metallic rotor, deflects both an emission light beam and a reception light beam
Implementation Method 3
By providing a dichroic beam splitter on the path of the return light to the light receiver, it is possible to split off an energy signal, which might be electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanner has a light emitter, a rotary mirror, a light receiver, a first beam splitter to send electromagnetic energy from an electromagnetic energy generator into the environment, a second beam splitter to send reflected electromagnetic energy to a spectroscopic energy detector, and a control and evaluation unit, the spectroscopic energy detector configured to determine wavelengths in the reflected electromagnetic energy.