Structural scanner

A solid-state light-based scanner generates accurate depth maps of large, flat surfaces to address the limitations of existing technologies, enabling rapid and precise 3D feature analysis for quality control and manufacturing adjustments.

GB2640952APending Publication Date: 2025-11-12HARDY & ELLIS INVENTIONS LTD
5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
GB2024006596
Authority / Receiving Office
GB · GB
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-10
Publication Date
2025-11-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies are unable to efficiently scan and analyze 3D features of large, flat surfaces, such as sheets of material, for quality control and manufacturing adjustments, particularly in industries like packaging and battery production, as they often require moving parts and are limited in accuracy and speed.

Method used

A solid-state light-based scanner captures images of a target surface to generate a depth map with high accuracy, using photometric stereo techniques to analyze 3D topographical attributes without moving parts, enabling rapid and precise scanning of large areas with micron-level resolution.

Benefits of technology

The scanner provides fast and accurate 3D profiling of flat surfaces, allowing for immediate quality judgments and automated manufacturing adjustments, reducing waste and increasing production efficiency by providing real-time feedback on features like creases, embossing, and braille.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A structural scanning and analysis apparatus comprises a solid-state light-based scanner arranged to capture a plurality of images of a target surface that is substantially flat and having an area, A. A depth-map generation module generates a depth map of the target surface using surface normal information derived from the plurality of images, wherein the depth map shows 3D topographical attributes of the target surface to an accuracy that may be related to the area imaged or at least ±0.1mm. A feedback module then provides an output based on a result from the analysis module which may be used to control a manufacturing process. Additional inventions claimed relate to a photometric stereo scanner and a feedback visualisation apparatus.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art