Structured Light Rings for 3D Geometric Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional measurement systems for geometric characteristics, such as those using a light source and mirror to produce a focused ring of light, are limited in obtaining multiple profiles and accurately measuring surfaces at non-orthogonal angles, failing to correctly extract geometric properties.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system employing a light emitting unit, a light structuring device with front and rear mirrors, and an imaging unit to generate and record structured light rings from both sides of an object, allowing for the separation and processing of geometric characteristics, including 3D profiling and detection of cracks and bumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single focused ring of light is used to measure the object, then the measurement system is simple, but only one profile of the cross-section can be obtained and geometric characteristics cannot be correctly extracted when the focused ring plane is at a non-orthogonal angle
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system divides the single measurement task into multiple segments by using a plurality of focused rings of light at different positions along the optical axis. Each focused ring captures a specific cross-sectional profile of the object, and the processor integrates these multiple profiles to reconstruct the complete three-dimensional geometric characteristics, thereby solving the limitation of single-profile measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional single-plane measurement to three-dimensional multi-plane measurement by arranging focused rings at different positions along the optical axis. This dimensional expansion enables capture of multiple cross-sectional profiles simultaneously, allowing accurate extraction of geometric characteristics even when individual rings are at non-orthogonal angles to the object surface
2Measurement precision
If multiple focused rings of light are used to obtain multiple profiles, then complete geometric characteristics can be obtained, but the device complexity increases with additional mirrors and optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
Each mirror in the light structuring device is designed to perform multiple functions: reflecting light to create focused rings, defining specific measurement planes, and contributing to the overall three-dimensional reconstruction. The mirrors work cooperatively within a unified optical system, where each component serves universal purposes across multiple measurement planes rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each profile
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated optical path. Instead of using separate measurement systems for each profile, the patent combines multiple focused rings and their corresponding mirrors into one cohesive device that simultaneously captures multiple cross-sectional profiles, which are then processed together to reconstruct the complete geometric characteristics
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 accurate measurement of geometric characteristics, including 3D profiles and surface defects, by generating and processing structured light rings from multiple angles, overcoming the limitations of single-profile and angle-dependent measurements.
Implementation Method 1
A collimated light beam emitted by a light emitting unit is reflected by a light structuring device to generate structured light
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes a light emitting unit (15), a front mirror (17), a rear mirror (19), an imaging unit (21) and a processor (23). The light emitting unit (15) is configured to emit a collimated light beam (25). The front mirror (17) is configured to reflect part of the collimated light beam (25) to produce and project a front focused ring (33) of structured light (32) to an object (11) to obtain a front reflected ring of light (37), and configured to allow part of the collimated light beam (25) to pass by. The rear mirror (19) is positioned downstream of a light transmitting path of the front mirror (17). The rear mirror is configured to reflect at least part of the collimated light beam (25) passing by the front mirror (17) to produce and project a rear focused ring (41) of the structured light to the object to obtain a rear reflected ring of light (43).