3D Measurement Device Imaging Sensor Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional measurement devices face challenges in maintaining measurement accuracy and speed due to difficulties in adjusting for warpage and inclination of measured objects, requiring large mechanisms and resulting in out-of-focus image data and decreased accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional measurement device with a displaceable imaging unit and a telecentric optical system that adjusts the height and inclination of the imaging element to maintain a constant interval with the measured object, allowing for focused images and improved accuracy even with warped or inclined objects, and corrects pixel deviations to enhance measurement precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the entire measurement head is moved in the height direction to maintain constant interval with the measured object, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the mechanism size increases and movement speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmechanism size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement head into separate components: the imaging element is made independently movable in the height direction, while the irradiation head remains stationary or moves independently. This segmentation allows the imaging element to be adjusted for focused imaging on warped surfaces without requiring movement of the entire measurement head, thus reducing mechanism size while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustability by allowing the imaging element to move in the height direction independently to maintain optimal focusing distance on the measured object surface. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to warpage and inclination changes without requiring large-scale mechanism movements, improving measurement accuracy while keeping the mechanism compact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the entire measurement head is moved in the height direction to maintain constant interval with the measured object, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the imaging element from the main measurement head body, the patent enables independent movement of only the imaging element in the height direction. This reduces the mass being moved during focusing adjustments, allowing faster response times and higher measurement speeds while maintaining the ability to focus on warped surfaces accurately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic independent movement capability of the imaging element allows rapid adjustment to maintain optimal focusing distance on changing object surfaces. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to track and focus on warped areas quickly without the inertia and delay associated with moving entire measurement heads, thus improving measurement speed while preserving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the measurement head is moved to accommodate warpage, then the entire object can be captured, but out-of-focus image data is obtained decreasing measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to capture warped objectsVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement head to allow independent height adjustment of the imaging element. This enables the imaging element to be positioned precisely at the optimal focusing distance for each local area of the measured object, even when the object surface is warped. By independently adjusting the imaging element rather than moving the entire head, the system can maintain focus on warped surfaces while capturing the entire object, thus improving both adaptability and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic independent adjustment of the imaging element height enables real-time adaptation to warpage and inclination changes. The imaging element can be quickly repositioned to maintain optimal focusing distance on the current object surface position, ensuring focused image data is obtained for the entire warped object. This dynamic capability allows the system to accommodate warpage while preserving measurement accuracy through continuous focus maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 significantly improves measurement accuracy and speed by allowing minute and quick movements, reduces the size of the necessary mechanisms, and maintains focused images across the entire object, while minimizing the effects of position and inclination changes on magnification.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging element (17) that is movable in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction)... configured to form an image of a predetermined area on a measured object (1) irradiated with the predetermined light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an imaging unit comprising an imaging element provided to be movable in at least a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and a both-sided telecentric optical system configured to cause the imaging element to form an image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotography: Photography

Implementation Method 3

a both-sided telecentric optical system configured to cause the imaging element to form an image of a predetermined area on the measured object (1) irradiated with the predetermined light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTelecentric optical system: Lens

Implementation Method 4

a measurement unit that measures a height of the predetermined area on the measured object (1) in advance, before imaging of the predetermined area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10563977B2Three-dimensional measuring device
Publication Date: 2020.02.18 CKD CORP
  • US10563977B2 patent drawing
  • US10563977B2 patent drawing
  • US10563977B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A three-dimensional measurement device includes: an illuminator that irradiates a measured object with a predetermined light; an imaging device that comprises: an imaging sensor displaceable at least in a vertical direction; and a both-sided telecentric optical system that causes the imaging sensor to form an image of a predetermined area on the measured object irradiated with the predetermined light; a conveyor that moves the illuminator and the imaging device relative to the measured object; and a controller that: executes three-dimensional measurement of a predetermined measurement object on the measured object, based on the taken image; measures a height of the predetermined area at least at a time prior to imaging of the predetermined area under the predetermined light; and changes a height position of the imaging sensor based on a measurement result to adjust an interval between the predetermined area and the imaging sensor to a predetermined distance.