3D Coordinate Measuring Instrument with Diffractive Optical Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Coordinate measuring devices face challenges in obtaining accurate registration information due to cameras with wide fields-of-view having low resolution and those with high resolution having narrow fields-of-view, limiting the speed and accuracy of measurements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a diffractive optical element (DOE) and a photosensitive array in cameras coupled with 3D measuring instruments to capture diffraction components of markers, allowing for the determination and registration of 3D coordinates across multiple poses and increasing the effective field-of-view without sacrificing resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a camera with a wide field-of-view is used, then the measurable region is increased, but the resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the field-of-view into multiple regions, with different zones having different resolution characteristics. The central region maintains high resolution for detailed measurements, while peripheral regions provide extended coverage at reduced resolution, allowing the system to capture both detailed and broad views simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the image sensor receive light through different optical paths with varying magnification. The optical system is designed so that certain regions have higher effective resolution than others, optimizing the trade-off between field-of-view and measurement precision for different areas of the scene
2Measurement precision
If a camera with high resolution is used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the field-of-view becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical paths or imaging modes within a single camera system. By merging high-resolution and wide-angle optical paths, the system achieves both high measurement precision and extended field-of-view simultaneously, rather than requiring separate cameras for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional optical dimension by incorporating diffractive optical elements that create multiple diffraction orders. These different orders provide different magnification levels and field-of-views, allowing the system to access both high resolution and wide coverage through the same physical aperture
3Device complexity
If the field-of-view is limited, then the device complexity is reduced, but the registration accuracy decreases when moving between poses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a camera system that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it captures both wide-area registration information and detailed measurement data in a single device. The multi-functional optical system eliminates the need for separate cameras or complex mechanical switching mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high registration accuracy across different poses
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 approach enables accurate registration of 3D coordinates over a wider field-of-view, enhancing the speed and accuracy of coordinate measurements while maintaining high resolution, thereby improving the performance of coordinate measuring devices.
Implementation Method 1
capturing for each of the plurality of poses an image having a diffraction component of one or more markers on or around the object
Data Source
AI summary
A method including determining with a three-dimensional (3D) measuring instrument 3D coordinates of an object for each of a plurality of poses of the 3D measuring instrument; capturing with a camera first- and higher-order diffraction components of markers near or on the object, the camera having a diffractive optical element (DOE), a lens, and a photosensitive array; and registering with a processor the determined 3D coordinates based at least in part on the determined 3D coordinates and on the imaged zero- and higher-order diffraction components.