Speckle Surface Sensing via Coherent Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface sensing technologies face challenges in accurately measuring the location, orientation, and motion of complex surfaces, particularly in creating precise three-dimensional images and dimensional data, due to limitations in precision, range resolution, and accessibility issues inherent in triangulation-based approaches.
Innovation Solution
A surface sensing apparatus utilizing coherent radiation sources to create speckle patterns with varying illumination states, combined with a processor and sensor system to determine speckle shifts and calculate surface parameters, such as height and orientation, through a combination of waist offset and illumination direction adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation-based approaches are used for surface sensing, then measurement capability is provided, but precision and range resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional triangulation-based mechanical/optical systems with a speckle correlation system using coherent radiation sources. The system uses a radiation source to create speckle patterns on the target surface, and a sensor to detect speckle intensity changes, eliminating the need for complex triangulation geometry and improving precision while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes illumination parameters (radiation angle, wavelength, intensity) to create varying illumination states that produce different speckle patterns. By analyzing speckle intensity changes across multiple illumination states, the system achieves high-precision surface measurement without requiring complex triangulation setups.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional surface sensing methods are used, then basic measurement is possible, but shadowing and surface-access issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic variation of illumination states by changing radiation angles and wavelengths sequentially. Multiple illumination states are applied in sequence, allowing the sensor to capture speckle patterns from different angles and wavelengths, which eliminates shadowing effects and improves surface accessibility for complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds wavelength as an additional dimension to the illumination variable space. By using coherent radiation sources with different wavelengths and combining this with angular variation, the system creates a multi-dimensional illumination space that provides multiple viewing paths around obstacles, reducing shadowing and improving access to complex surfaces.
3Measurement precision
If multi-state illumination is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single coherent radiation source that can operate at multiple wavelengths and be directed at multiple angles through optical elements. This multi-functional source replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate radiation sources and control systems, achieving high measurement precision while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical intermediaries such as beam splitters, mirrors, and waveplates to control the illumination states. These intermediary optical elements enable a single radiation source to produce multiple illumination states (different angles and wavelengths) without requiring complex electronic control systems, thereby improving precision while managing device complexity.
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 high-precision, cost-effective measurement of surface properties without shadowing or surface-access issues, suitable for a wide range of applications from microscopic to laser-radar scales, with enhanced range resolution and precision compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one source of coherent radiation capable of outputting at least one wavelength emission to create a first illumination state and to illuminate a surface to create a first speckle pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a surface sensing apparatus, one embodiment having a source of coherent radiation capable of outputting wavelength emissions to create a first illumination state to illuminate a surface and create a first speckle pattern, an emission deviation facility capable of influencing the emission to illuminate the surface and create a second illumination state and a second speckle pattern, and a sensor capable of sensing a representation of the first and a second speckle intensity from the first and second speckle pattern. Also disclosed are methods of sensing properties of the surface, one embodiment comprising the steps of illuminating the surface having a first surface state with the source of coherent radiation emission, sensing a first speckle intensity from the surface, influencing a relationship of the surface to the emission to create a second surface state and sensing a second speckle intensity from the surface at the second surface state.