Switchable Aperture Array for Adaptive Laser Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical distance measurement devices face challenges with stability, accuracy, and extraneous light interference when measuring distances to reflective target objects, particularly due to the need for multiple beam paths and diverging optics, which increase space requirements and measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A device with a laser beam shaping element featuring a transmission aperture arrangement of switchable transmission pixels, allowing for adaptive beam shaping and attenuation to suit individual retroreflectors and surface retroreflectors, and a receiving beam shaping element for reducing radiation power and attenuating extraneous light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beam paths and beam-shaping optics are used to generate different beam divergences, then adaptability to different target objects is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically adjustable beam-shaping element (such as a deformable mirror or liquid crystal variable focus lens) that can change its optical properties in real-time to adapt to different target objects. This single dynamic element replaces multiple static beam paths and optics, achieving adaptability while reducing device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a universal beam-shaping system that can perform multiple functions (adjusting beam divergence, focusing, and shaping) through a single integrated optical element or element array. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate beam paths and multiple specialized optics, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If diverging optics are used to expand the laser beam, then adaptability to different distance ranges is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to increased sensitivity to target object orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable beam-shaping elements that can adapt their divergence characteristics in real-time based on the measured or estimated distance to the target. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal beam characteristics for each distance range while minimizing sensitivity to target orientation, thereby preserving measurement precision across all ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters (beam divergence, focal length) of the beam-shaping elements based on the operating conditions (distance to target). By adjusting these parameters dynamically or selecting from multiple preset configurations, the system achieves adaptability to different distance ranges while maintaining measurement precision through optimized beam characteristics for each range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the laser beam diameter is increased to cover larger target areas, then adaptability to surface retroreflectors is improved, but alignment precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically controllable beam-shaping elements that can adjust the beam diameter and spatial distribution adaptively. For surface retroreflectors, the system increases the effective beam coverage area while maintaining precise alignment through real-time adjustment of the beam profile, thereby achieving both adaptability and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality variations within the beam profile by using spatially selective beam-shaping elements (such as spatial light modulators or segmented aperture arrays). This allows different regions of the beam to have different characteristics (e.g., higher intensity at the center for precision, extended wings for coverage), achieving both adaptability to larger targets and maintained alignment precision through localized optimization.
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
The solution enhances measurement accuracy and stability by reducing the precision required for aligning the laser beam and effectively managing extraneous light, while minimizing equipment complexity and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam shaping element (35) with a transmission aperture arrangement (83-96)
Implementation Method 2
measuring distances to individual retroreflectors (51, 61) and to surface retroreflectors
Implementation Method 3
a detector (15) that receives a received beam (28) reflected at the target object (28)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for optically measuring the distance from a reflective target object, comprising a beam source, a detector, a beam-shaping system having an optical transmission system and an optical receiving system, and a laser beam-shaping element which can be arranged in the optical path of the laser beam. The laser beam-shaping element is in the form of a transmission aperture arrangement having a first array (71) of transmission pixels (72ij), said transmission pixels (72ij) being switchable, by means of a first control unit (73), between a transmission state (TSij< 10%) that is impenetrable to the laser beam, and a transmission state (10%<TSij <100%) which is at least partially penetrable to said laser beam.