3D Image Measuring Apparatus Light Path Converter

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D image measuring apparatuses face challenges in precisely measuring objects due to shadow formation on one surface when light is projected onto another surface, leading to incomplete data acquisition.

Innovation Solution

A 3D image measuring apparatus and method that emit a light according to a lattice-shaped pattern towards both surfaces of an inspection object, utilizing a light path converter with multiple filters to adjust optical properties and acquire a transformed image, allowing for more precise 3D image measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If light is projected towards one surface of the measurement object, then the imaging device can capture the projected light pattern, but shadow areas are formed on another surface leading to incomplete measurement data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidshadow area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light path converter that redirects light from a second light source to illuminate the other surface of the measurement object. This adds a new dimensional aspect to the illumination geometry, allowing light to reach surfaces that were previously in shadow, thereby eliminating information loss and improving measurement completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The light path converter acts as an intermediary device that receives light from the second light source and redirects it towards the measurement object. This intermediary component enables the second light source to effectively illuminate the other surface without requiring direct line-of-sight, thereby resolving the shadow problem while maintaining system compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple lights and filters are used to illuminate both surfaces and improve image precision, then measurement accuracy increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light path converter serves multiple functions: it redirects light from the second light source, houses the second filter for wavelength selection, and manages the optical path geometry. By combining these functions into a single component, the patent achieves improved image precision through multi-surface illumination while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the light path conversion function with the filtering function by integrating the second filter within the light path converter structure. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate components needed, thereby achieving the dual goals of improved measurement precision and controlled device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If a light path converter with multiple filters is applied to change optical properties and improve image quality, then measurement accuracy improves, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light path converter is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs light redirection and wavelength filtering. By integrating the second filter into the light path converter, the patent achieves improved image quality through selective wavelength transmission while avoiding the need for separate filter housings and mounting structures, thus controlling device structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 3D image measurement by removing shadow areas and improving image precision through the use of multiple lights and filters, resulting in a more compact and effective measurement system.

Implementation Method 1

a first light and a second light which generate a light, a lattice board which is provided between the first and second lights and the plurality of projection lenses, and formed with a plurality of lattices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

a first filter and a second filter which are provided in a lower portion of the plurality of mirrors respectively, and adjust and filter optical properties of a light, having passed through the plurality of mirrors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

a light path converter comprising a plurality of mirrors which is provided on one surface of the projection portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

an imaging portion comprising a third filter, an imaging lens which is provided in an upper portion of the third filter to image the light, having passed through the third filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS8319977B23D image measuring apparatus and method thereof
Publication Date: 2012.11.27 KOHYOUNG TECH
  • US8319977B2 patent drawing
  • US8319977B2 patent drawing
  • US8319977B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A 3D measuring apparatus includes a stage, a projection portion, and an imaging portion. The projection portion includes first and second lights, first and second lattices, and first and second projection lenses. The imaging portion includes an imaging lens and a camera. The projection portion further includes a movement instrument which control the first and the second lattice simultaneously with predetermined n times.